Nasacort Allergy vs. Dimetapp for Nasal Congestion: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Triamcinolone (Nasacort) and brompheniramine/phenylephrine (Dimetapp Cold and Allergy) are both medications used to treat allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion and runny nose. However, they belong to different medication classes and have important differences. Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation in the nose, while brompheniramine/phenylephrine is an oral combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant. Nasacort is used once daily and is available over-the-counter as both a brand-name and generic product. In contrast, Dimetapp Cold and Allergy is taken every 4 hours and is also available over-the-counter, as a liquid and tablet. Common side effects of Nasacort include sore throat and nosebleeds, whereas Dimetapp can cause dizziness and sleepiness. Additionally, Nasacort is generally safe for those with high blood pressure, while Dimetapp may worsen conditions like heart problems or high blood pressure.

Nasacort

(triamcinolone acetonide)

Get free coupons

Brompheniramine/phenylephrine

Get free coupons

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 Dimetapp

Over-the-counter

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 for Dimetapp

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 for Dimetapp

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