Medications for Allergic Rhinitis

Antihistamines

Common names include:

• Fexofenadine]]> (Allegra)
• ]]>Desloratadine]]> (Clarinex)
• ]]>Levocetirizine]]> (Xyzal)

Antihistamines help stop or reduce the production of histamine, a chemical that is released when the immune system reacts to an allergen. The release of histamine leads to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Lightheadness
• Blurry vision
• Change in ability to think clearly
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Gastrointestinal upset, stomach pain, or nausea
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Thickening of mucus
• Increased effects in people with ]]>kidney disease]]> due to slower removal from the body

Nasal antihistamine sprays are also available, such as ]]>azelastine]]> (Astelin).

Oral Decongestants and Antihistamine Combinations

Common names include:

• Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D)
• Acrivastine and pseudoephedrine (Semprex-D)
• Azatadine and pseudoephedrine (Trinalin)

Decongestants help to narrow the blood vessels, which results in a clearing of nasal congestion. Antihistamines help stop or reduce the production of histamine, a chemical that is released when the immune system reacts to an allergen.

Possible side effects of the oral decongestant/antihistamine combinations include:

• Drowsiness
• Cough
• Increase in blood pressure
• Headache
• Nervousness, difficulty sleeping
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate

Nasal Corticosteroid Spray

Common names include:

• Beclomethasone]]> (Beconase)
• ]]>Fluticasone]]> (Flonase)
• ]]>Triamcinolone]]> (Nasacort)
• ]]>Mometasone]]> (Nasonex)
• ]]>Budesonide]]> (Rhinocort)

Nasal corticosteroids are sprayed or inhaled into the nose to help relieve the stuffy nose and discomfort of allergies.

Possible side effects include:

• Burning, dryness, or other irritation inside the nose (mild, lasting only a short time)
• Increase in sneezing
• Irritation of the throat

]]> Nasal Mast Cell Stabilizer

Common name: Cromolyn sodium (Intal)

Cromolyn is unique in that it is preventative. It changes the body's immunological response to allergens. It is most effective when used before coming into contact with substances that cause allergies or before allergy season. Cromolyn may be used alone or with other medicines.

Possible side effects include:

• Burning, stinging, or irritation inside of nose
• Flushing
• Increase in sneezing

Leukotriene Inhibitor

Common name: Montelukast]]> (Singulair)

This medication is also used to prevent allergy symptoms. It works by decreasing how many leukotrienes (chemicals) the body creates in response to an allergen.

Possible side effects include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Nervousness
• Headache and stomach ache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nasal congestion

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating to see if there is a link between taking this medication and having suicidal thoughts. If you are taking Singulair, do not stop right way. Talk to your doctor first.

Antihistamines

The following medications are available without a prescription. Many of these are older or first-generation antihistamines. However, both loratadine and cetirizine are nonsedating second-generation antihistamines.

• Diphenhydramine]]> (Benadryl)
• Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
• Brompheniramine (Dimetane)
• ]]>Dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine]]> (Drixoral)
• ]]>Loratadine]]> (Claritin)
• ]]>Cetirizine hydrochloride]]> (Zyrtec)
• ]]>Clemastine]]> (Tavist)
• Chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine (Triaminic Allergy)

Antihistamines help stop or reduce the production of histamine, a chemical that is released when the immune system reacts to an allergen. The release of histamine leads to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness (loratadine and zyrtec are nonsedating.)
• Slowed reaction time
• Dry mouth

Oral Decongestants

Common names include:

• Pseudoephedrine-containing products (eg, Sudafed, Actifed, Drixoral)

Decongestants help to narrow the blood vessels, which results in a clearing of nasal congestion. One possible side effect is an increase in blood pressure.

Nasal Decongestants

Common names include:

• Afrin]]>
• Neo-Synephrine

Nasal sprays help relieve the stuffy nose and discomfort of allergies.

Possible side effects include:

• Burning, stinging, or irritation inside of nose
• Flushing
• Increase in sneezing
• Rebound (increased nasal congestion) if nasal decongestant sprays are used for more than three days

Saline Nasal Spray

Salinex]]> is a nasal spray that contains a saltwater solution to rinse your nose and help relieve mild congestion, loosen mucus, and prevent crusting. Though it can be useful for relieving symptoms of a stuffy nose and has no side effects, saline can't prevent allergy symptoms from occurring, as some other allergy treatments can.