A new study finds that Sudafed 24 Hour is as effective at relieving hay fever symptoms as Singulair, a prescription drug that costs almost four times as much.

Researchers at the University of Chicago conducted their study of 58 adults with hay fever during ragweed season. Thirty of the adults took 10 milligrams a day of the prescription decongestant montelukast sodium (Singulair), while the other 28 took 240 milligrams a day of the decongestant pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed 24 Hour).

Pseudoephedrine costs about 80 cents a day, while montelukast costs about $3.20 a day.

As reported in the February issue of the Archives of Otolaryngology (Head & Neck Surgery), Sudafed was as effective as the prescription medication in relieving hay fever symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itching. The cheaper drug was also as effective at improving quality of life for hay fever patients, without causing any additional side effects.