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Compare Nasonex vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

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

Key takeaways

Nasonex (mometasone) and Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief (ibuprofen/phenylephrine/chlorpheniramine) are both used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. Nasonex is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation in the nose and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. It is used to prevent and treat seasonal allergies and nasal polyps. On the other hand, Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is a combination of an antihistamine, an NSAID, and a decongestant, and is taken orally. It provides short-term relief for a variety of symptoms from allergies and the common cold, such as runny nose, sneezing, and sinus pressure. Nasonex is suitable for children as young as 2 years old (OTC version), while Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is only for those 12 and older. Nasonex can take 1 to 2 weeks to show full effects, whereas Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief works more quickly but needs to be taken every 4 hours. Additionally, Nasonex does not cause drowsiness, while Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief can make you sleepy and dizzy.

  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Advil allergy and congestion relief
  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Advil allergy and congestion relief

  • Summary of Nasonex vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    Mometasone nasal spray is used to prevent the nose symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as to treat nose and sinus inflammation in adults with nasal polyps. Some side effects this medication can cause include headache and bloody nose. Mometasone nasal spray is available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC).

    Summary for Antihistamine / NSAID / Decongestant

    Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is a combination of three medications, chlorpheniramine (antihistamine), ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)), and phenylephrine (decongestant). It's available over the counter (OTC) and used to treat symptoms from allergies and the common cold.

  • Indications of Nasonex vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Indications for
    •Temporary relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose) (OTC only)
    •Prevention of seasonal allergies (prescription only)
    •Treatment of long-term nose and sinus inflammation with nasal polyps (prescription only)
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold: runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, headache, minor aches and pains, fever
    •Lowers swelling in the sinuses around the nose
    •Restores breathing through the nose

  • Pros and Cons of Nasonex vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Works well to prevent and treat allergy symptoms
    •Available OTC
    •Can be used to help control allergy symptoms in children 2 years or older (OTC only)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic with a prescription
    Cons
    •Can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to see the full effects
    •Doesn't have a counter on the spray bottle, so it can be hard to remember how many sprays are left
    •Can cause side effects like headache and nose bleeds in some people
    •Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine / NSAID / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Can treat a wide variety of allergy and common cold symptoms
    •More convenient to take three medications in one pill
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken every 4 hours
    •More difficult to customize the dose since Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is a combination of three medications
    •Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
    •Can't be used in children younger than 12 years old, right before or after heart surgery, or with current or recent (within the last 14 days) use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • Common Side Effects of Nasonex vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (26%)
    •Viral infection (14%)
    •Sore throat (12%)
    •Bloody nose or mucus (11%)
    •Coughing (7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
    •Period cramps (5%)
    •Muscle pain (5%)
    •Congestion, pressure near the nose or forehead, and other symptoms of sinus infection (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Constipation
    •Upset stomach
    •Heartburn
    •Nausea
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Nasonex vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nose injury and slowed wound healing
    •Fungal infection in the nose and throat
    •Vision changes
    •Risk of infection
    •Hormone changes
    •Poor growth in children
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    •Potential harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Nasonex vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Learn more about Mometasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Advil allergy and congestion relief

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