Nasal Allergy Medicines

The table below lists the most common over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for nasal allergies. Some are pills. Some are liquids. And some are nasal sprays. It's important to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking these medicines, even though they're available without a prescription. Bring a list of your current medicines with you. Then the pharmacist can review it and check for possible medicine interactions. Having your medicine information will allow the pharmacist to advise a safe OTC nasal allergy medicine. Always follow the instructions on the package labels.

Type of medicine	Examples of medicines	Description of medicine
Antihistamines	diphenhydramine loratadine cetirizine fexofenadine levocetirizine olopatadine (antihistamine eye drops)	Stops the release of histamine, a substance in the body that causes many allergy symptoms Helps prevent sneezing, runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes Some of these may cause drowsiness
Corticosteroid nasal sprays	fluticasone triamcinolone budesonide	Reduces inflammation and swelling Relieves itching and sneezing Helps decrease mucus and relieve postnasal drip when taken daily
Decongestants	oxymetazoline pseudoephedrine	Reduces swelling of nasal passages and relieves sinus pressure Overuse of these nasal sprays can worsen symptoms Talk with your health care provider before using these if you have high blood pressure
Mast cell stabilizers	ketotifen cromolyn	Helps prevent cells from releasing histamine Prevents and relieves sneezing, itchiness, and runny nose
Saline sprays, rinses, and gels		Provides lubrication or moisture to nasal passages. These can be used as often as needed. Helps soothe irritated nasal passages. Loosens thick mucus.

Type of medicine

Examples of medicines

Description of medicine

Antihistamines

diphenhydramine
loratadine
cetirizine
fexofenadine
levocetirizine
olopatadine (antihistamine eye drops)

Stops the release of histamine, a substance in the body that causes many allergy symptoms
Helps prevent sneezing, runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes
Some of these may cause drowsiness

Corticosteroid nasal sprays

fluticasone
triamcinolone
budesonide

Reduces inflammation and swelling
Relieves itching and sneezing
Helps decrease mucus and relieve postnasal drip when taken daily

Decongestants

oxymetazoline

pseudoephedrine

Reduces swelling of nasal passages and relieves sinus pressure
Overuse of these nasal sprays can worsen symptoms
Talk with your health care provider before using these if you have high blood pressure

Mast cell stabilizers

ketotifen

cromolyn

Helps prevent cells from releasing histamine
Prevents and relieves sneezing, itchiness, and runny nose

Saline sprays, rinses, and gels

Provides lubrication or moisture to nasal passages. These can be used as often as needed.
Helps soothe irritated nasal passages. Loosens thick mucus.

NOTE: Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the possible side effects and medicine or food interactions of any medicine you take.

How to use nasal spray

Nasal sprays must be used the right way to be effective. Be sure to do the following:

Blow your nose to clear your nostrils.

Gently shake the bottle. Then remove the cap.

With your right hand, carefully insert the tip of the bottle into your left nostril. Point the tip toward your ear and not the center of the nose.

While gently breathing in through your nose, press down once on the pump to release the spray.

Breathe out through your mouth.

With your left hand, repeat the steps for your right nostril.

You don't need to tilt your head back or sniff strongly when taking a nasal spray. If a little drips out after use or you sneeze, that's OK.