Medication is one of several ways to manage allergy symptoms. Especially if your symptoms are seasonal or less severe, they may be able to be relieved with medications and nasal sprays.
Whether you manage your allergies with medication or have more severe symptoms that require immunotherapy, Puget Sound Ear Nose and Throat providers want to ensure that you receive the best treatment for your needs.
What Allergy Medications Are Available?
Medications that may relieve your allergy symptoms include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, decongestant nasal sprays, allergy eye drops and mast cell inhibitors.
What Are Antihistamines?
Antihistamines are one of the most commonly used allergy medications. They block the chemical produced by the immune system that causes symptoms like sneezing, stuffy noses and itchy, watery eyes. They can be taken in tablet, capsule, liquid, nasal spray or eye drop form. Potential side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness and nausea.
Common Antihistamines
- Allegra®
- Benadryl®
- Claritin®
- Chlor-Trimeton
- Tavist
- Zyrtec®
- Clarinex
- Xyzal®
What Are Decongestants?
Decongestants can relieve stuffy noses caused by allergies because they shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues that line the nose. They are available in pills, liquids, nasal sprays and nose drops.
Decongestants may increase anxiety or cause sleeping difficulty. If you have a medical condition such as glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disorder, diabetes or enlarged prostate, consult with a doctor before using them.
Common Decongestants
- Afrin®
- Dristan®
- Sudafed®
- Suphedrin
Allergy medications combine antihistamines and decongestants include:
- Allegra-D®
- Claritin-D®
- Tavist-D
What Are Nasal Corticosteroids?
Nasal corticosteroids are nasal sprays that reduce inflammation of the lining within the nose. They are typically safe to use long-term and available by prescription only. Possible side effects include nosebleeds, nasal dryness and sore throat.
Common Nasal Corticosteroids
- Flonase
- Nasonex
- Nasacort®
- Rhinocort
What Are Decongestant Sprays?
Decongestant nasal sprays provide short-term relief from congestion and coughing, though they wear off quickly. They’re typically available over-the-counterbut should not be used for more than three consecutive days.
Common Decongestant Sprays
- Afrin®
- Dristan®
- Vicks Sinex™
What Are Allergy Eye Drops?
Allergy eye drops are effective in relieving symptoms like itchy, watery or burning eyes and are available via prescription or over-the-counter.
Common Allergy Eye Drops
- Clear Eyes®
- Visine®
- Refresh®
- Claritin® Eye
- Alamast
- Opcon-A
What Are Mast Cell Inhibitors?
To prevent allergy symptoms, mast cell inhibitors block the release of histamine when allergens are encountered. They should be taken a week or two before allergy season begins and continued daily for its duration.
Common Mast Cell Inhibitors
- Gastrocrom
- Cromolyn Sodium
- Alocril
- Nasalcrom
- Alomide
Don’t Let Uncomfortable Symptoms Take Over Your Life
Our team at Puget Sound Ear Nose and Throat can recommend the best medication for you, as well as additional ways of managing your allergies. Whether this condition is new or you’re looking for a solution to worsening symptoms, we’re here to help.
Call Puget Sound ENT for more information or to schedule an appointment.