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Compare Sudafed vs. Afrin

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

Key takeaways

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and oxymetazoline (Afrin) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion, but they have some key differences. Pseudoephedrine is taken orally and works by squeezing the blood vessels around your nose and sinuses, which helps clear congestion. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms, with dosing varying by age and formulation. On the other hand, oxymetazoline is a nasal spray that works by attaching to receptors in your nose to tighten blood vessels, providing quick relief. However, you should not use oxymetazoline for more than three days in a row due to the risk of rebound congestion. Pseudoephedrine can cause side effects like anxiety and difficulty sleeping, while oxymetazoline might cause mild burning or stinging in the nose. Both medications are not recommended during pregnancy, and you should consult your healthcare provider if you have high blood pressure or other medical conditions before using them.

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  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

  • Summary of Sudafed vs. Afrin

    Summary for Alpha agonist

    Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a non-drowsy decongestant taken by mouth to treat nasal and sinus congestion from allergies and the common cold. It's available in a short-acting version that's taken once every 4 to 6 hours. It also comes in longer-acting versions that are taken every 12 or 24 hours, depending on the dose. Side effects of Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) include anxiety and headache. This medication might also keep you awake at night if you take it too close to bedtime. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is an OTC medication, but it's restricted, so you can only purchase it at the pharmacy counter.

    Summary for Alpha adrenergic receptor agonist

    Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is a nasal decongestant spray. More specifically, it's an alpha-1 receptor agonist. Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is sprayed into the nostrils up to twice daily to help relieve stuffy noses. But you should avoid using it for longer than 3 days in a row because doing so can raise the risk for rebound congestion. There are oxymetazoline products for children and adults that differ in dosage, so read the label on your specific product to make sure it's appropriate for you. Some side effects of this medication might include mild burning or stinging in the nose.

  • Indications of Sudafed vs. Afrin

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Sudafed vs. Afrin

    Pros and Const for Alpha agonist
    Pros
    •Works well to treat congestion
    •Available in longer-acting versions that last 12 hours or 24 hours
    •Children's oral liquids can be taken by kids as young as 4 years old
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Several products have different age cut-offs for use in children, so can be confusing
    •Might make it hard for some people to sleep
    •Can raise blood pressure and heart rate
    •Not recommended during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Alpha adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Starts working within minutes and lasts for up to 12 hours
    •Typically fewer side effects than oral decongestants
    •Children's product can be used by those as young as 2 years old (check product labeling)
    •Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Some nasal spray might drip out of nose, which can be messy
    •Can't use longer than 3 days due to rebound congestion
    •Might not be a good choice for people with high blood pressure
    •Not recommended during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Sudafed vs. Afrin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sweating
    •Nervousness
    •Excitability
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Difficulty urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning in the nose
    •Stinging in the nose
    •Rebound nasal congestion (if using longer than 3 days)

  • Warnings of Sudafed vs. Afrin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    Common Side Effects for
    •Rebound congestion
    •Might not be safe for people with certain medical conditions
    •For use in the nose only

  • Prices with our coupons for Sudafed vs. Afrin

    Learn more about Sudafed
    Learn more about Oxymetazoline

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