NOVAFED vs SUDAFED 24 HOUR

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 14, 2026·How we rate

Attribute	NOVAFED	SUDAFED 24 HOUR
Rating	70/100	70/100
Pharmacy pays	~$8.29 /30	~$8.29 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	PSEUDOEPHEDRINE HYDROCHLORIDE	PSEUDOEPHEDRINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer	Sanofi Aventis US	Kenvue Brands
Dosage forms	Capsule, extended release	Tablet, extended release
Drug class	Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist	Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist
Boxed warning	None	None
Half-life	roughly 3 to 16 hours — the label does not give one number, because the elimination half-life depends on urine pH: about 3 to 6 hours when urine pH is 5 (acidic), and about 9 to 16 hours when urine pH is 8 (alkaline)	roughly 3 to 16 hours — the label does not give one number, because the elimination half-life depends on urine pH: about 3 to 6 hours when urine pH is 5 (acidic), and about 9 to 16 hours when urine pH is 8 (alkaline)
Treats	Asthma, Common Cold, Perennial Allergic Rhinitis	Asthma, Common Cold, Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

novafed sudafed 24 hour

Rating

70/100

Pharmacy pays

~$8.29 /30

Type

Active ingredient

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Sanofi Aventis US

Kenvue Brands

Dosage forms

Capsule, extended release

Tablet, extended release

Drug class

Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist

Boxed warning

None

Half-life

roughly 3 to 16 hours — the label does not give one number, because the elimination half-life depends on urine pH: about 3 to 6 hours when urine pH is 5 (acidic), and about 9 to 16 hours when urine pH is 8 (alkaline)

Treats

Asthma, Common Cold, Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Novafed or Sudafed 24 Hour?

Novafed and Sudafed 24 Hour are tied at 3.5 out of 5 by our independent rating.

Which is cheaper, Novafed or Sudafed 24 Hour?

Pharmacies pay about the same to acquire either one — roughly $8.29 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That is not what you will be charged: your price is set by your insurer and the pharmacy, not by what the drug cost them.

What is the difference between Novafed and Sudafed 24 Hour?

Both Novafed and Sudafed 24 Hour share the active ingredient Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.