Medication for Allergic Rhinitis
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are congestion, sneezing, itchy and runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes; allergic rhinitis is caused by an inflammation of the passages in the nose in response to allergens. Several medications are available for treatment of the symptoms of this condition.
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Antihistamines
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Histamine is a major cause of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and blocking its action can relieve many of the complaints; however, some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Examples of antihistamines are loratidine, fexofenadine or cetirizine.
Inhaled Corticosteroids
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Nasal inhaled steroids such as fluticasone, mometasone and budesonide block the effect of most of the mediators of allergic rhinitis; these are very effective medications and are commonly used.
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Decongestants
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Decongestants relieve stuffy nose symptoms; however, they cannot be used for more than a few days because of rebound (increase in congestion). Examples include phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine.
Leukotriene Modifiers
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A major cause of allergic rhinitis symptoms are leukotrienes; leukotriene modifiers such as montelukast or zafirlukast block the action of these inflammatory substances.
Other Medications
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Cromolyn sodium nasal spray can be used for treatment of allergic rhinitis by children or pregnant women; nasal saline washes may help ease discomfort.
Immunotherapy
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Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, can be used to increase the tolerance to specific allergens.
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