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Compare Sudafed vs. Nasacort Allergy

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

Key takeaways

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and triamcinolone (Nasacort) are both used to relieve nasal congestion, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant taken orally to treat short-term nasal and sinus congestion from allergies and the common cold. It works by narrowing blood vessels in your nose and sinuses, which helps reduce congestion. On the other hand, triamcinolone is a corticosteroid nasal spray used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose. It works by reducing inflammation in your nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while triamcinolone is used once daily and can last up to 24 hours. Pseudoephedrine can cause side effects like anxiety and headaches and may raise your blood pressure, whereas triamcinolone might cause a sore throat or cough but is generally safer for people with high blood pressure. Both medications are available over-the-counter, but pseudoephedrine is restricted and must be purchased at the pharmacy counter.

  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)

  • Summary of Sudafed vs. Nasacort Allergy

    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

    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is a nasal spray for adults and children 2 years of age and older that helps relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It's used once daily and typically lasts for 24 hours. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) doesn't have many side effects, but you might have a temporary sore throat or cough after you use it. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is available over the counter as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Sudafed vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure
    Indications for
    •Hay fever and allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose)

  • Pros and Cons of Sudafed vs. Nasacort Allergy

    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
    •Available as a generic, over-the-counter product
    •Used once daily and can last up to 24 hours
    •Not likely to make you sleepy
    •Small, portable spray that's easy to carry and use anywhere
    Cons
    •Might take up to 1 week for some symptoms to get better
    •Might not be a good option if you have an injured nose or recently had nasal surgery
    •Might slow down the growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
    •Not meant to be used to relieve common cold symptoms

  • Common Side Effects of Sudafed vs. Nasacort Allergy

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

    Adults and children 12 years or older:

    •Sore throat (5%)
    •Nose bleed (3%)
    •Cough (2%)

    Children ages 4 to 12 years:

    •Flu-like symptoms (9%)
    •Cough (8%)
    •Sore throat (8%)
    •Bronchitis (3%)
    •Indigestion (3%)
    •Tooth problems (3%)

    Children ages 2 to 5 years:

    •Headache (6%)
    •Sore throat (6%)
    •Nose bleed (5%)
    •Common cold symptoms (5%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Asthma (3%)
    •Rash (3%)
    •Skin picking problem (3%)
    •Runny nose (2%)

  • Warnings of Sudafed vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasal problems
    •Eye problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Slowed growth rate in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Sudafed vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Learn more about Sudafed
    Learn more about Nasacort

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