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Compare Flonase vs. Dimetapp

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase, Flonase Sensimist) and brompheniramine/phenylephrine (Dimetapp Cold and Allergy) are both used to treat allergy symptoms, but they belong to different medication classes. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the nose, while brompheniramine/phenylephrine is a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant that relieves symptoms like sneezing and congestion. Fluticasone is available as a nasal spray, either by prescription or over-the-counter, and is used daily for ongoing relief. In contrast, brompheniramine/phenylephrine is taken orally in liquid or tablet form and can be used as needed. Both medications are available in generic form and are available over-the-counter without a prescription. Common side effects of fluticasone include headaches and nosebleeds, whereas brompheniramine/phenylephrine can cause dizziness and sleepiness. Additionally, brompheniramine/phenylephrine may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions like high blood pressure, while fluticasone may increase the risk of nasal and eye problems with long-term use.

  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Brompheniramine/phenylephrine
  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Brompheniramine/phenylephrine

  • Summary of Flonase vs. Dimetapp

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat allergy symptoms, like runny nose and sneezing. Fluticasone nasal spray comes in brand and generic forms, and is available by a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Fluticasone nasal spray must be used daily in order for you to experience the maximum benefits. But if you're using OTC versions of this medication, don't use it for more than 6 months at a time (or 2 months at a time, for children) without first speaking to your provider.

    Summary for Antihistamine / Decongestant

    Brompheniramine/phenylephrine is a combination medication that helps to temporarily relieve symptoms of cold and allergies, such as watery eyes, stuffy nose, and itchy throat. It's taken by mouth and available in both a liquid and a tablet form, and as lower-cost generic medications.

  • Indications of Flonase vs. Dimetapp

    Indications for

    Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

    •Congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy nose
    •Itchy, watery eyes
    Indications for

    Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold:

    •Nasal congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itching of the nose or throat
    •Itchy or watery eyes

  • Pros and Cons of Flonase vs. Dimetapp

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Only has to be used once a day and can last up to 24 hours
    •Available OTC
    •Some formulations have generic versions
    •Can be used safely in children as young as 4 years old
    •Flonase Sensimist is a gentler version that can be used in children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Not a good option if you have an injured nose or had recent nasal surgery
    •Can raise the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose
    •Can slow down growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
    •Can raise the risk for certain eye problems
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Combines two medications into one product for convenience
    •Can treat multiple allergy and common cold symptoms
    •Available over the counter without a prescription
    Cons
    •Might need to take multiple times a day to relieve symptoms
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination
    •Might not be a good choice for people over 65 years old or people with glaucoma, breathing problems, stomach problems, or urinary problems

  • Common Side Effects of Flonase vs. Dimetapp

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7-16%)
    •Sore throat (6-8%)
    •Nosebleeds (6-7%)
    •Asthma symptoms (3-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Constipation
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Flonase vs. Dimetapp

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasal problems
    •Slowed growth rate in children
    •Eye problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Stress hormone problems (adrenal gland problems)
    •Serious allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose

  • Prices with our coupons for Flonase vs. Dimetapp

    Learn more about Fluticasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Brompheniramine/phenylephrine

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