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Compare Rhinocort Allergy vs. Nyquil

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

Key takeaways

Rhinocort Allergy (budesonide) and Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) are both used to treat symptoms related to respiratory issues, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Rhinocort Allergy is a corticosteroid nasal spray that helps reduce inflammation in your nose to treat allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itching. It is available over-the-counter and as a lower-cost generic. You use it once daily, and it can take up to two weeks to feel the full benefit. On the other hand, Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination of a pain reliever, cough suppressant, and antihistamine, used to relieve cold and flu symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, and runny nose. It works quickly, within 30 minutes, but may need to be taken multiple times a day. Nyquil can make you very sleepy and should not be used long-term. Unlike Rhinocort, Nyquil is available in both liquid and capsule forms. While Rhinocort is focused on treating allergies, Nyquil addresses a broader range of cold and flu symptoms.

  • Budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy)
    Nyquil cold and flu
  • Budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy)
    Nyquil cold and flu

  • Summary of Rhinocort Allergy vs. Nyquil

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    Budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy) is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray 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 (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 Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine

    Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication containing acetaminophen (a pain reliever), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and doxylamine (an antihistamine). It's used to treat cold and flu symptoms, like sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, and aches, in adults and children. Nyquil Cold and Flu is available as pills and a liquid. This medication can make you feel sleepy and dizzy as side effects.

  • Indications of Rhinocort Allergy vs. Nyquil

    Indications for
    •Nasal allergy symptoms (e.g., runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, sneezing)
    Indications for

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Headache
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Fever
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing

  • Pros and Cons of Rhinocort Allergy vs. Nyquil

    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 Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Works within 30 minutes to relieve cold and flu symptoms
    •Available in capsules and a liquid
    •Combines three medications in one product for convenience
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times per day
    •Can cause extreme sleepiness
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of three medications
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Not meant for long-term use

  • Common Side Effects of Rhinocort Allergy vs. Nyquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bloody nose (8%)
    •Sore throat (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Rhinocort Allergy vs. Nyquil

    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
    •Liver damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Rhinocort Allergy vs. Nyquil

    Learn more about Budesonide
    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu

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