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Nasacort Allergy vs. Rhinocort Allergy

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

Key takeaways

Nasacort (triamcinolone) and Rhinocort Allergy (budesonide) are both corticosteroid nasal sprays used to treat allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Nasacort is available over-the-counter and is used once daily, with effects lasting up to 24 hours. Rhinocort Allergy can be found both over-the-counter and by prescription, and it also requires daily use, but it may take up to 2 weeks to feel the full benefit. Nasacort is approved for use in children as young as 2 years old, while Rhinocort Allergy is only approved for children 6 years and older. Common side effects of Nasacort and Rhinocort Allergy include sore throat and nosebleeds. Both medications can also slow growth in children.

Nasacort

(triamcinolone acetonide)

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Budesonide nasal spray

(Rhinocort Allergy)

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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 Rhinocort Allergy

Over-the-counter

Budesonide nasal spray (Rhinocort Allergy) is an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication for adults and children age 6 years and older. It's a corticosteroid that relieves nasal allergy symptoms, such as runny or stuffy nose, itchy nose, and sneezing. Budesonide nasal spray (Rhinocort Allergy) is sprayed into each nostril once per day. Side effects can include nose bleeds and irritation in the nose. This medication is available as a generic.

Indications for Rhinocort Allergy

Pros and Cons for Rhinocort Allergy

Pros

  • First-choice medication for treating nasal allergy symptoms
  • Only used once per day
  • Available over the counter
  • Can be used for children as young as 6 years old

Cons

  • Might cause nose bleeds
  • Might take up to 2 weeks to feel the full benefits from the medication
  • Not meant for relieving nasal symptoms related to the common cold

Common Side Effects for Rhinocort Allergy

  • Bloody nose (8%)
  • Sore throat (4%)

Warnings for Rhinocort Allergy

  • Nose bleeds, discomfort, and injury
  • Risk of infection
  • Altered stress hormone levels
  • Delayed growth in children
  • Allergic reactions
  • Eye and vision problems

Prices with our coupons for Nasacort Allergy vs. Rhinocort Allergy

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Nasacort Allergy1 nasal spray / 120 sprays
$12.25$21.69
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Rhinocort Allergy1 nasal spray / 60 sprays of 32mcg
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