SUDAFED 12 HOUR vs SUDAFED 24 HOUR

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 17, 2026·How we rate

Attribute	SUDAFED 12 HOUR	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	Glaxosmithkline	Kenvue Brands
Dosage forms	Capsule, extended release, Tablet, 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

sudafed 12 hour sudafed 24 hour

Rating

70/100

Pharmacy pays

~$8.29 /30

Type

Active ingredient

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Glaxosmithkline

Kenvue Brands

Dosage forms

Capsule, extended release, Tablet, 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, Sudafed 12 Hour or Sudafed 24 Hour?

Sudafed 12 Hour and Sudafed 24 Hour are tied at 3.5 out of 5 by our independent rating.

Which is cheaper, Sudafed 12 Hour 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 Sudafed 12 Hour and Sudafed 24 Hour?

Both Sudafed 12 Hour 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.