In this Article

• Introduction
• What's the difference between a controller and a reliever?
• What are antihistamines?
• How do antihistamines work?
• What are first generation antihistamines (OTCs)?
• What are second generation antihistamines (prescription)?
• What are common side effects of antihistamines?
• What are decongestants?
• How do decongestants work?
• When should I use topical decongestants?
• What are side effects of decongestants?
• What about combination antihistamine/decongestant preparations?
• Nasal Steroid Sprays
• Other nasal sprays that might help
• Tips for proper use of nasal sprays
• Nasal Allergy Medications At A Glance
• Nasal Allergy Medications Glossary
• Nasal Allergy Medications Index

What about combination antihistamine/decongestant preparations?

Pharmacy shelves are packed with these preparations. They are useful for runny, itchy, and stuffy noses and are available OTC or by prescription. The liquid preparations are convenient for children as well as the elderly who may need a lesser dosage than is available in tablet forms. 12- and 24-hour preparations are available to make taking the medications more practical. Interestingly, the stimulant effect of the decongestant may counteract the drowsiness effect of the antihistamine and make the combination well tolerated.

Allergy Fact

Six of the top ten highest selling nonprescription medications (in 1990) were Dimetapp, Benadryl, Actifed, Drixoral, Comtrex, and Chlortrimeton. OTC antihistamine sales exceed $500 million per year and up to $2 billion per year when antihistamine-decongestant combinations are included.

Table IV: Common Antihistamine/Decongestant Preparations

Two broad categories of decongestants are available. Rapid release products need to be taken 3 to 4 times a day and provide a lower dose of both the antihistamine and decongestant. These medicines help people who are more troubled by side effects but they are less practical than the sustained release preparations, which need to be taken only once or twice per day.

Allergy Alert

When you switch OTC antihistamine/decongestant combinations, please read the label. Make sure the ingredients and the dosages are different from the ones you used to take. Otherwise, you may be buying the same medication with a different name, color, shape, and price.

Table V: Nasal Symptoms and Medicine

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• diphenhydramine, Benadryl - Explains the medication diphenhydramine (Benadryl), a drug used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
• Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip - Information on post nasal drip and chronic rhinitis includes symptoms such as itchy runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, ears, and throat, and nasal congestion.
• fluticasone propionate nasal inhaler-spray, Flonase, Veramyst - Learn about the nasal spray drug fluticasone (Flonase, Veramyst) used to treat non-allergic and allergic rhinitis and its symptoms like a stuffy and runny nose.

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