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Nasacort Allergy vs. Beconase AQ

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

Key takeaways

Triamcinolone (Nasacort) and beclomethasone (Beconase AQ) are both corticosteroid medications used to treat nasal symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by allergies. However, they have some important differences. Nasacort is available over-the-counter and is used once daily, while Beconase AQ requires a prescription and is used twice daily. Nasacort is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas Beconase AQ is only comes as a branded medication. Beconase AQ is also approved for preventing nasal polyps from regrowing after surgery, while Nasacort is not. Nasacort doesn't commonly cause side effects, but you may get a sore throat temporarily after using it. Beconase AQ may cause nasal irritation and sneezing attacks. Both medications can affect wound healing.

Nasacort

(triamcinolone acetonide)

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Beconase AQ

(beclomethasone)

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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 Beconase AQ

Prescription only

Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is a corticosteroid medication used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. In addition, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) can be used to prevent nasal polyps from regrowing after surgical removal.

Indications for Beconase AQ

  • Seasonal allergies
  • Year-round allergies
  • Non-allergic stuffy nose
  • Prevention of nasal polyp recurrence after surgery

Pros and Cons for Beconase AQ

Pros

  • Symptomatic relief can occur as soon as 3 days
  • Can be used by children as young as 6 years old
  • Since it's used directly where the inflammation is happening, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
  • Doesn't make you drowsy or dizzy, compared to allergy relief pills
  • Can be used to treat long-term build-up of mucus in the throat that comes from the nose

Cons

  • Must be used daily to work instead of on an as-needed basis
  • Doesn't have a dose counter to help you keep track of the number of sprays left in the bottle
  • Unlike allergy relief pills, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) only helps to treat nasal symptoms
  • Can cause wounds to heal slower, so may not be a good choice if you've recently had surgery on your nose. If you've had recent nose surgery, discuss with your surgeon if this medication is right for you.
  • Only available as an expensive brand name product
  • If Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is not used for 7 days, you must prime it again

Common Side Effects for Beconase AQ

  • Nasal irritation (24%)
  • Sneezing attacks (4%)

Warnings for Beconase AQ

  • CHANGES IN THE NASAL SEPTUM
  • DECREASED WOUND HEALING
  • VISION CHANGES

Prices with our coupons for Nasacort Allergy vs. Beconase AQ

Price Card Drug Icon
Nasacort Allergy1 nasal spray / 120 sprays
$12.25$21.69
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Beconase AQ1 nasal spray / 25g of 42mcg/spray
$304.76$448.33
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