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Compare Sudafed vs. Rhinocort Allergy

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

Key takeaways

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy) are both used to treat nasal issues, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that you take by mouth to relieve nasal and sinus congestion from allergies and the common cold. It works by narrowing blood vessels in your nose and sinuses. On the other hand, budesonide is a corticosteroid nasal spray that you use to treat nasal allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itching. It reduces inflammation directly in your nose. Pseudoephedrine is available over-the-counter but is restricted and must be purchased at the pharmacy counter, while budesonide is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Pseudoephedrine can cause side effects like anxiety and headaches, and it might keep you awake if taken too close to bedtime. Budesonide, however, can cause nosebleeds and may take up to two weeks to show full benefits. Additionally, long-term use of budesonide can lead to more serious side effects like fungal infections in the nose or throat and delayed growth in children.

  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy)
  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy)

  • Summary of Sudafed vs. Rhinocort 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

    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.

  • Indications of Sudafed vs. Rhinocort Allergy

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure
    Indications for
    •Nasal allergy symptoms (e.g., runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, sneezing)

  • Pros and Cons of Sudafed vs. Rhinocort 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
    •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

  • Common Side Effects of Sudafed vs. Rhinocort Allergy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sweating
    •Nervousness
    •Excitability
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Difficulty urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Bloody nose (8%)
    •Sore throat (4%)

  • Warnings of Sudafed vs. Rhinocort Allergy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Sudafed vs. Rhinocort Allergy

    Learn more about Sudafed
    Learn more about Budesonide

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