Nasal antihistamines and decongestants

What are Nasal antihistamines and decongestants?

Nasal antihistamines and decongestants are products that contain either an antihistamine or a decongestant, in a device suitable for nasal use.

Antihistamines block the action of histamine which is released by cells in response to allergens. Nasal antihistamines relieve symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, or postnasal drip.

Nasal decongestants constrict dilated blood vessels within the nose, reducing swelling which allows air to flow more freely, relieving symptoms of congestion.

Loratadine and pseudoephedrine tablets are a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant. They treat symptoms of allergies by reducing congestion, sneezing, runny nose and itching. Brand names for this medication include Alavert-D® and Claritin-D®.

Antihistamine sprays relieve congestion, itchy and runny nose, and sneezing. They are available by prescription and include azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase). They usually cause less drowsiness than antihistamine pills, but they still may make some people sleepy.

Antihistamine medications, such as Claritin, Zyrtec or Benadryl, can also offer sinus infection symptom relief. While these medications specifically target allergy symptoms, sinus infection symptoms are similar, making antihistamines worth a try.

Nasal decongestants are a type of medicine that helps provide relief for stuffy, congested noses (nasal congestion). They work by narrowing and reducing the swelling in the blood vessels and tissues in your nose. Nasal decongestants come as pills, liquids, drops and nasal sprays.