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Nasacort Allergy vs. Astepro

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

Key takeaways

Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) and Astepro (azelastine) are both nasal sprays used to treat allergy symptoms, but they belong to different medication classes. Nasacort is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in your nose, while Astepro is an antihistamine that blocks histamine to relieve symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose. Nasacort is suitable for children as young as 2 years old, whereas Astepro can only be used by children 6 years and older. Nasacort is typically used once daily and can take up to a week to show full effects, while Astepro can work within 15 to 30 minutes and may be used once or twice a day. Astepro might cause drowsiness and a bitter taste, whereas Nasacort is less likely to make you sleepy but can cause sore throat and nosebleeds. Both medications are available over the counter (OTC). OTC Astepro only comes as a brand-name medication. Generic versions are only available with a prescription from your healthcare professional. Nasacort is available as brand and generic medications.

Nasacort

(triamcinolone acetonide)

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Astepro Allergy

(azelastine)

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Summary for Nasacort Allergy

Over-the-counter

Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is a nasal spray for adults and children 2 years of age and older that helps relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It's used once daily and typically lasts for 24 hours. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) doesn't have many side effects, but you might have a temporary sore throat or cough after you use it. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is available over the counter as a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Nasacort Allergy

  • Hay fever and allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose)

Pros and Cons for Nasacort Allergy

Pros

  • Available as a generic, over-the-counter product
  • Used once daily and can last up to 24 hours
  • Not likely to make you sleepy
  • Small, portable spray that's easy to carry and use anywhere

Cons

  • Might take up to 1 week for some symptoms to get better
  • Might not be a good option if you have an injured nose or recently had nasal surgery
  • Might slow down the growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
  • Not meant to be used to relieve common cold symptoms

Common Side Effects for Nasacort Allergy

Adults and children 12 years or older:

  • Sore throat (5%)
  • Nose bleed (3%)
  • Cough (2%)

Children ages 4 to 12 years:

  • Flu-like symptoms (9%)
  • Cough (8%)
  • Sore throat (8%)
  • Bronchitis (3%)
  • Indigestion (3%)
  • Tooth problems (3%)

Children ages 2 to 5 years:

  • Headache (6%)
  • Sore throat (6%)
  • Nose bleed (5%)
  • Common cold symptoms (5%)
  • Stomach pain (5%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)
  • Asthma (3%)
  • Rash (3%)
  • Skin picking problem (3%)
  • Runny nose (2%)

Warnings for Nasacort Allergy

  • Nasal problems
  • Eye problems
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Slowed growth rate in children

Summary for Astepro

Over-the-counter

Astepro Allergy (azelastine) is an antihistamine nasal spray that's used to treat nasal symptoms due to allergies, such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and runny nose. Astepro Allergy (azelastine) is available over-the-counter (OTC) for adults and children 6 years and older. The strength of Astepro Allergy (azelastine) is 0.15%. The dosage depends on your age, but it's usually sprayed into the nose once or twice a day. Side effects can include a bitter taste in the mouth, nasal discomfort, and sneezing.

Note: Azelastine nasal spray is also available by prescription in 0.1% and 0.15% strengths.

Indications for Astepro

Short-term relief of nasal symptoms due to allergies:

  • Stuffy nose
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy nose

Pros and Cons for Astepro

Pros

  • Available over the counter; doesn't require a prescription
  • Sprayed directly in the nose
  • Can work within 15 to 30 minutes to relieve allergy symptoms

Cons

  • Not approved for children younger than 6 years old
  • Can cause drowsiness
  • Might leave a bitter taste in your mouth

Common Side Effects for Astepro

  • Bitter taste (up to 6%)
  • Nasal discomfort (up to 4%)
  • Nosebleed (up to 2%)
  • Sneezing (up to 2%)

Warnings for Astepro

  • Possible sleepiness and difficulty concentrating

Prices with our coupons for Nasacort Allergy vs. Astepro

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Nasacort Allergy1 nasal spray / 120 sprays
$12.25$21.69
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Azelastine Non-Prescription1 nasal spray / 23ml of 205.5mcg/spray
$17.54-
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