Updated August 10, 2014.
Oral decongestants. Oral decongestants, with or without oral anti-histamines, are useful medications in the treatment of nasal congestion in people with allergic rhinitis. This class of medications includes pseudoephrine (Sudafed®), phenylephrine, and numerous combination products. Decongestant/anti-histamine combination products (such as Allegra-D®, Zyrtec-D®, Clarinex-D® and Claritin-D® are indicated for treating allergic rhinitis in people 12 years of age and older.
This class of medication works well for occasional and as-needed use, but side effects with long-term use can include insomnia, headaches, elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate and nervousness.
Leukotriene blockers. Montelukast (Singulair®), was originally developed for asthma approximately 10 years ago, and is now approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis as well. Studies show that this medication is not as good at treating allergies as the oral anti-histamines, but may be better at treating nasal congestion. In addition, the combination of montelukast and an oral anti-histamine may be better at treating allergies than either medication alone.
Montelukast may be of particular benefit for people with mild asthma and allergic rhinitis, since it is indicated for both medical conditions. The medication must be taken daily for best effects, and usually takes a few days before it starts working. Side effects are usually mild and include headaches, abdominal pains and fatigue.
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Sources:
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
Oral decongestants. Oral decongestants, with or without oral anti-histamines, are useful medications in the treatment of nasal congestion in people with allergic rhinitis. This class of medications includes pseudoephrine (Sudafed®), phenylephrine, and numerous combination products. Decongestant/anti-histamine combination products (such as Allegra-D®, Zyrtec-D®, Clarinex-D® and Claritin-D® are indicated for treating allergic rhinitis in people 12 years of age and older.
This class of medication works well for occasional and as-needed use, but side effects with long-term use can include insomnia, headaches, elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate and nervousness.
Leukotriene blockers. Montelukast (Singulair®), was originally developed for asthma approximately 10 years ago, and is now approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis as well. Studies show that this medication is not as good at treating allergies as the oral anti-histamines, but may be better at treating nasal congestion. In addition, the combination of montelukast and an oral anti-histamine may be better at treating allergies than either medication alone.
Montelukast may be of particular benefit for people with mild asthma and allergic rhinitis, since it is indicated for both medical conditions. The medication must be taken daily for best effects, and usually takes a few days before it starts working. Side effects are usually mild and include headaches, abdominal pains and fatigue.
Want to keep learning?
Discover the only potential cure for allergies: allergy shots.
Sources:
- 1. Dykewicz MS, Fineman S, editors. Diagnosis and Management of Rhinitis: Complete Guidelines of the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
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