| Xyzal | Nasacort | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic | levocetirizine | triamcinolone acetonide |
| Active ingredient | Levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg | Triamcinolone acetonide 55 mcg per spray |
| Type | Oral antihistamine (pill) | Steroid nasal spray |
| Label uses | runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat | nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose |
| Nasal congestion on label | No | Yes |
| Drowsiness | May cause drowsiness | No drowsiness warning |
| How often | Once a day, in the evening | Once a day |
| Youngest age on label | 6 years | 2 years |
| Maximum | 1 tablet (5 mg) in 24 hours for ages 12 to 64 | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day |
The main differences
They are different kinds of medicine. Xyzal is an oral antihistamine (pill) you swallow; Nasacort is a steroid nasal spray you spray into the nose. Nasacort's label lists nasal congestion among its uses; Xyzal's does not.
On drowsiness: Xyzal: The label says "drowsiness may occur" and to avoid alcohol. It is taken in the evening. Nasacort: The label has no drowsiness warning.
For children, Nasacort is labeled from age 2, while Xyzal is labeled from age 6.
Dosing: Xyzal is once a day, in the evening; Nasacort is once a day.
Which might suit you
- you prefer a once-a-day dose at night
- a stuffy nose is your main problem
- you need to stay alert during the day
- it is for a child aged 2 or older
This is based only on what the two labels say. Neither label claims to work better than the other. A pharmacist can help if you have other conditions or take other medicines.
Dose by age
Xyzal
- Adults and children 12 to 64: 1 tablet (5 mg) once daily in the evening. Not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
- Children 6 to 11: Half a tablet (2.5 mg) once daily in the evening. Not more than half a tablet in 24 hours.
- Adults 65 and older: Ask a doctor.
- Children under 6: Do not use.
Nasacort
- Adults and children 12 and over: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Once symptoms improve, reduce to 1 spray in each nostril daily.
- Children 6 to under 12: 1 spray in each nostril once daily (adult supervision). If no improvement, 2 sprays per nostril, then back to 1 once better.
- Children 2 to under 6: 1 spray in each nostril once daily (adult supervision).
- Children under 2: Do not use.
Key warnings
Xyzal
- Do not use if you have kidney disease.
- Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have ever had trouble urinating or emptying your bladder.
- Alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness.
Nasacort
- Do not use in children under 2.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have had recent nose ulcers or surgery, an unhealed nose injury, an eye infection, glaucoma or cataracts, or use another steroid medicine.
- The growth rate of some children may be slower while using it.
- Stop and ask a doctor if exposed to chickenpox, measles or tuberculosis, or with severe or frequent nosebleeds or vision changes.
Compare prices for Xyzal Compare prices for Nasacort
Frequently asked questions
Is Xyzal or Nasacort better?
Neither label claims to work better than the other. Which suits you depends on your symptoms, age, and whether drowsiness matters, as compared above. A pharmacist can help you choose.
Can you take Xyzal and Nasacort together?
The labels don't cover taking these two together. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining allergy medicines.
Sources: Xyzal Allergy 24HR Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label); Nasacort Allergy 24HR Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label). Checked October 17, 2026. Not medical advice. How we check.