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Compare Sudafed vs. Flonase

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

Key takeaways

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and fluticasone (Flonase) are both used to treat nasal symptoms, but they work in different ways and belong to different medication classes. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that works by squeezing the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses to relieve congestion and pressure. It is available over-the-counter but must be purchased at the pharmacy counter due to restrictions. Fluticasone, on the other hand, is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in your nose caused by allergies, helping to relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Fluticasone is available both by prescription and over-the-counter. Pseudoephedrine can cause side effects like anxiety and headaches and may keep you awake if taken close to bedtime, while fluticasone can cause nosebleeds and may slow growth in children if used long-term. Pseudoephedrine can raise your blood pressure while fluticasone does not. Additionally, fluticasone must be used daily for maximum benefit, whereas pseudoephedrine can be taken as needed for short-term relief.

  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Fluticasone nasal spray
  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Fluticasone nasal spray

  • Summary of Sudafed vs. Flonase

    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 Corticosteroid

    Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat allergy symptoms, like runny nose and sneezing. Fluticasone nasal spray comes in brand and generic forms, and is available by a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Fluticasone nasal spray must be used daily in order for you to experience the maximum benefits. But if you're using OTC versions of this medication, don't use it for more than 6 months at a time (or 2 months at a time, for children) without first speaking to your provider.

  • Indications of Sudafed vs. Flonase

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

    Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

    •Congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy nose
    •Itchy, watery eyes

  • Pros and Cons of Sudafed vs. Flonase

    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 Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Only has to be used once a day and can last up to 24 hours
    •Available OTC
    •Some formulations have generic versions
    •Can be used safely in children as young as 4 years old
    •Flonase Sensimist is a gentler version that can be used in children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Not a good option if you have an injured nose or had recent nasal surgery
    •Can raise the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose
    •Can slow down growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
    •Can raise the risk for certain eye problems

  • Common Side Effects of Sudafed vs. Flonase

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sweating
    •Nervousness
    •Excitability
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Difficulty urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7-16%)
    •Sore throat (6-8%)
    •Nosebleeds (6-7%)
    •Asthma symptoms (3-7%)

  • Warnings of Sudafed vs. Flonase

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasal problems
    •Slowed growth rate in children
    •Eye problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Stress hormone problems (adrenal gland problems)
    •Serious allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Sudafed vs. Flonase

    Learn more about Sudafed
    Learn more about Fluticasone nasal spray

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