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Compare Rhinocort Allergy vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

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

Key takeaways

Budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy) and Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief (ibuprofen/phenylephrine/chlorpheniramine) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat allergy symptoms. However, they belong to different medication classes and have some important differences. Budesonide is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation in the nose to relieve symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, itchy nose, and sneezing. It is typically used once a day. Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is a combination of an antihistamine, an NSAID, and a decongestant, taken as an oral tablet every 4 hours to relieve symptoms from allergies and the common cold, such as nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and minor aches. Budesonide is available as a generic and is safe for children as young as 6 years old, while Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is not recommended for children under 12. Common side effects of budesonide include nosebleeds and nasal irritation, whereas Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach upset. Additionally, Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief has more potential drug interactions and risks, such as stomach bleeding and heart issues, due to its combination of active ingredients.

  • Budesonide nasal spray (Rhinocort Allergy)
    Advil allergy and congestion relief
  • Budesonide nasal spray (Rhinocort Allergy)
    Advil allergy and congestion relief

  • Summary of Rhinocort Allergy vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    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.

    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 Rhinocort Allergy vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Indications for
    •Nasal allergy symptoms (e.g., runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, sneezing)
    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 Rhinocort Allergy vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    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
    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 Rhinocort Allergy vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bloody nose (8%)
    •Sore throat (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Constipation
    •Upset stomach
    •Heartburn
    •Nausea
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Rhinocort Allergy vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nose bleeds, discomfort, and injury
    •Risk of infection
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Allergic reactions
    •Eye and vision problems
    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 Rhinocort Allergy vs. Advil Allergy and Congestion

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

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