Two medicines, side by side
Oxymetazoline vs triamcinolone
Oxymetazoline and triamcinolone are both labeled for allergies. Drugs@FDA records approvals of oxymetazoline since 1986 and of triamcinolone since 1957. Pharmacies paid $0.111 per mL (Nasal decongestant 0.05% spray) and $0.0452 per gram (Triamcinolone 0.1% cream) (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Oxymetazoline's other strengths are brand-only: $23.47 per gram (Rhofade 1% cream). Triamcinolone's other strengths are brand-only: $2.33 per mL (Kenalog-10 50 mg/5 mL vial). In FDA's classes, oxymetazoline is a vasoconstrictor and triamcinolone a corticosteroid.
Check it at the source: the oxymetazoline FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 13, 2026); the triamcinolone FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 28, 2026).
Highlights of the oxymetazoline record
Oxymetazoline (Upneeq) · label of July 13, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsOxymetazoline Hydrochloride Cream, 1% is indicated for the topical treatment of persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults. Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Cream is an alpha 1A adrenoceptor agonist indicated for the topical treatment of persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- May 30, 1986
- Generic labelers
- 1 labeler
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.111 per mL
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the triamcinolone record
Triamcinolone (Kenalog) · label of January 28, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsTopical corticosteroids are indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 3, 1957
- Generic labelers
- 73 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0452 per gram
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- Listed; available
- Recalls
- 27
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Oxymetazoline label of July 13, 2026, Triamcinolone label of January 28, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do oxymetazoline and triamcinolone differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, oxymetazoline is a vasoconstrictor and triamcinolone a corticosteroid.
Generics: oxymetazoline since 2021; triamcinolone since 1972 (Drugs@FDA).
| Oxymetazoline | Triamcinolone | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Cough and cold, Allergies | Asthma, Eczema (atopic dermatitis), Anemia, Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, Allergies, Fever, Pain, Osteoarthritis |
| Pharmacologic class | Vasoconstrictor | Corticosteroid |
| How it works (label) | Oxymetazoline is an alpha 1A adrenoceptor agonist. Oxymetazoline acts as a vasoconstrictor. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | May 30, 1986 | December 3, 1957 |
| First generic approved | October 4, 2021 | April 26, 1972 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 1 labeler | 73 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.111 per mL (Nasal decongestant 0.05% spray) | $0.0452 per gram (Triamcinolone 0.1% cream) |
| 12-month price change | -0.8% | -18% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | Listed; available |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 27 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 6,779 | 31,591 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to oxymetazoline
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions