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Compare Sudafed vs. Allegra

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

Key takeaways

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and fexofenadine (Allegra) are both over-the-counter medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that helps relieve nasal and sinus congestion by narrowing blood vessels, while fexofenadine is an antihistamine that eases allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes by blocking histamine. Pseudoephedrine can be taken in immediate-release or extended-release forms, with dosing varying from every 4 to 24 hours, whereas fexofenadine is typically taken once or twice a day. Pseudoephedrine may cause side effects like anxiety and difficulty sleeping, and it can raise blood pressure, making it unsuitable for people with certain health conditions. On the other hand, fexofenadine is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to other antihistamines but can still cause headaches and dry mouth. Both medications have specific age restrictions and should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Fexofenadine (Allegra)

  • Summary of Sudafed vs. Allegra

    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 Antihistamine

    Fexofenadine (Allegra) is an antihistamine. It's used to ease symptoms of allergy and hives in adults and children. Fexofenadine (Allegra) can be found over the counter as a tablet, fast-melting tablet, and liquid. This medication is taken once or twice per day, depending on the formulation. Fexofenadine (Allegra) starts to work in about 2 hours and its effects can last up to 24 hours. Fexofenadine (Allegra) doesn't make you as drowsy compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other possible side effects of fexofenadine (Allegra) include headache and dry mouth.

  • Indications of Sudafed vs. Allegra

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat)
    •Treatment of hives

  • Pros and Cons of Sudafed vs. Allegra

    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 Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
    •Some products can also be used to relieve itchiness from hives.
    •Available as 12-hour and 24-hour tablets, as well as a liquid and quick-dissolving tablets for those who have a hard time swallowing pills
    •All formulations available over the counter
    Cons
    •Liquid form might not be the best choice for people on a low-salt diet because it contains sodium
    •Once-daily formulations not recommended for children younger than 12 years old
    •Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Can cause headache

  • Common Side Effects of Sudafed vs. Allegra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sweating
    •Nervousness
    •Excitability
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Difficulty urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache

  • Warnings of Sudafed vs. Allegra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablet only

  • Prices with our coupons for Sudafed vs. Allegra

    Learn more about Sudafed
    Learn more about Fexofenadine

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