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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
There are many types of medications—both over-the-counter and prescription—that can be used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and each class of medication functions differently in the body. However, once a definite diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is made, the first-line treatment of choice is nasal corticosteroid spray, as it is has been shown to be the most effective with the fewest side effects. Ask you doctor which medications may offer prevention of allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Oral Decongestants and Antihistamine Combinations
Common names include:
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:
Nasal antihistamine sprays are also available, such as azelastine (Astelin).
Common names include:
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:
Common names include:
Nasal corticosteroids are sprayed or inhaled into the nose to help relieve the stuffy nose and discomfort of allergies.
Possible side effects include:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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:
Common names include:
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.
Common names include:
Nasal sprays help relieve the stuffy nose and discomfort of allergies.
Possible side effects include:
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.
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
References:
Advice from your allergist: rhinitis. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology website. Available at: http://www.acaai.org/public/advice/rhin.htm . Accessed September 15, 2008.
Levocetirizine. EBSCO Health Library, Lexi-PALS website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Updated December 2009. Accessed February 10, 2010.
Montelukast. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated August 2008. Accessed September 15, 2008.
Montelukast. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81 . Updated April 2008. Accessed September 15, 2008.
United States Pharmacopeial Convention. USP DI . 21st ed. Englewood, CO: Micromedex; 2001.
5/6/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Segall N, Gawchik S, Georges G, Haeusler JM. Efficacy and safety of levocetirizine in improving symptoms and health-related quality of life in US adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010;104(3):259-267.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Purvee S. Shah, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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