What are the different types of nasal sprays for allergies? How do they work and what are their side effects? Get all the facts you need to manage your allergy symptoms effectively.

Types of Nasal Sprays for Allergies

When it comes to managing allergy symptoms, nasal sprays can be a highly effective solution. There are several different types of nasal sprays available, each with its own unique mechanism of action and benefits.

Decongestant Sprays

Decongestant nasal sprays, such as oxymetazoline hydrochloride (Afrin, Dristan, Sinex) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine), work by shrinking the swollen blood vessels and tissues in the nose that cause congestion. These over-the-counter medications can provide quick relief, but should not be used for more than three days, as prolonged use can actually worsen nasal congestion.

Antihistamine Sprays

Antihistamine nasal sprays, including azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase), help relieve congestion, itchy and runny nose, and sneezing. These prescription medications tend to cause less drowsiness than oral antihistamines, but may still cause some sleepiness in certain individuals. Antihistamine sprays are often the first-line recommendation for allergy relief, though it may take around a week to notice the full effects.

Steroid Nasal Sprays

Steroid nasal sprays, such as beclomethasone (Beconase, Qnasl), ciclesonide (Zetonna), fluticasone furoate (Veramyst), and mometasone (Nasonex), are also available by prescription. Over-the-counter options include budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR). These sprays work by reducing inflammation and can be highly effective in managing allergy symptoms, though potential side effects may include headache, sore throat, nosebleed, or cough.

How Do Nasal Sprays Work?

Nasal sprays work by delivering medication directly to the nasal passages, allowing for faster and more targeted relief compared to oral medications. Each type of nasal spray has a unique mechanism of action, tailored to address different aspects of allergy symptoms.

Decongestant Sprays

Decongestant sprays work by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and relieving congestion. However, they should not be used for more than three days, as prolonged use can lead to rebound congestion.

Antihistamine Sprays

Antihistamine nasal sprays work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. This helps to reduce symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Steroid Nasal Sprays

Steroid nasal sprays work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which can help to alleviate a wide range of allergy symptoms, including congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Potential Side Effects of Nasal Sprays

While nasal sprays can be highly effective in managing allergy symptoms, they may also come with potential side effects. It’s important to be aware of these potential side effects and discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure the safe and effective use of these medications.

Decongestant Sprays

The primary side effect of decongestant nasal sprays is the risk of rebound congestion if they are used for more than three days. Additionally, individuals with glaucoma or uncontrolled high blood pressure should consult their doctor before using these types of sprays.

Antihistamine Sprays

Antihistamine nasal sprays may cause drowsiness in some individuals, though they tend to cause less drowsiness than oral antihistamines. Other potential side effects include headache, sore throat, and nasal irritation.

Steroid Nasal Sprays

Steroid nasal sprays may also cause side effects, such as headache, sore throat, nosebleed, or cough. It’s important to follow the dosage instructions carefully and to consult with a healthcare provider if any side effects persist or worsen.

Choosing the Right Nasal Spray for Your Allergies

When it comes to managing allergy symptoms, the right choice of nasal spray can make a significant difference. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate type of nasal spray based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and individual needs.

Factors to Consider

Some key factors to consider when choosing a nasal spray for allergies include the severity and type of your symptoms, your overall health status, and any potential interactions with other medications you may be taking. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and risks of different nasal spray options to find the most suitable solution for your needs.

Timing and Proper Use of Nasal Sprays

To ensure the maximum effectiveness of nasal sprays, it’s important to use them correctly and at the right time. For some types of nasal sprays, such as cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom), it’s recommended to start using them one to two weeks before allergy season begins and to use them daily for best results.

Proper Application

When using a nasal spray, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or your healthcare provider. This typically involves gently inserting the spray tip into the nostril, tilting your head slightly, and spraying the medication into the nose while breathing in slowly. Avoiding excessive force or irritation of the nasal passages is key to ensuring the safe and effective use of these medications.

Complementary Allergy Treatments

While nasal sprays can be highly effective in managing allergy symptoms, they may not be the only solution. Many individuals with allergies may also benefit from other complementary treatments, such as oral antihistamines, immunotherapy, or even lifestyle changes like reducing exposure to known allergens.

Integrating Different Treatments

Discussing your overall allergy management strategy with your healthcare provider can help you develop a comprehensive approach that combines the use of nasal sprays with other effective treatments. This can help you achieve optimal symptom relief and improve your overall quality of life.

Nasal Sprays for Allergies

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Decongestant Sprays
• Antihistamine Sprays
• Steroid Nasal Sprays
• Cromolyn Sodium (NasalCrom)
• Ipratropium Nasal (Atrovent Nasal)

When allergies strike, nasal sprays can help. There are many different types, and most work faster than pills.

You can buy them at the drugstore, or your doctor can prescribe one to relieve a stuffy or runny nose. 

Decongestant sprays shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues in your nose that cause congestion. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride (Afrin, Dristan, Sinex) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine) are some examples of these medicines. You can buy them over the counter.

Don’t use decongestant nasal sprays longer than three days. Using them longer can actually make your nose more stopped up. Ask your doctor before using them if you have glaucoma or high blood pressure that’s not under control.

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.

These sprays work very well to reduce congestion, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. They also help stop a drippy nose. They’re often the first drug recommended for allergies, but it takes about a week before you’ll notice your symptoms getting better.

Examples of steroid nasal sprays available by prescription include beclomethasone (Beconase, Qnasl), ciclesonide (Zetonna), fluticasone furoate (Veramyst), and mometasone (Nasonex). Three medications can be purchased over the counter — budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR).

Side effects can include headache, sore throat, nosebleed, or cough.

This nasal spray prevents your body from releasing histamines, chemicals that cause allergy symptoms like runny nose and sneezing. It can also help a stuffy nose. Some people see results in only 30 minutes. For it to work best, you need to start using it one to two weeks before allergy season starts and then use it one or more times every day. It doesn’t work as well as steroid nasal sprays.

You can buy NasalCrom as a nasal spray at the drugstore.

Cromolyn sodium is safe for most people. Ask your doctor before using it if you have wheezing from asthma or sinus pain. Side effects can include sneezing and nasal burning.

This prescription nasal spray treats a runny nose by stopping the production of mucus. It doesn’t relieve congestion or sneezing very well.

If you have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate, you may not be able to use Atrovent. Side effects can include headache, nosebleeds, sore throat, or nasal irritation.

© 2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info

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Nasal Sprays for Allergies

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Decongestant Sprays
• Antihistamine Sprays
• Steroid Nasal Sprays
• Cromolyn Sodium (NasalCrom)
• Ipratropium Nasal (Atrovent Nasal)

When allergies strike, nasal sprays can help. There are many different types, and most work faster than pills.

You can buy them at the drugstore, or your doctor can prescribe one to relieve a stuffy or runny nose. 

Decongestant sprays shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues in your nose that cause congestion. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride (Afrin, Dristan, Sinex) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine) are some examples of these medicines. You can buy them over the counter.

Don’t use decongestant nasal sprays longer than three days. Using them longer can actually make your nose more stopped up. Ask your doctor before using them if you have glaucoma or high blood pressure that’s not under control.

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.

These sprays work very well to reduce congestion, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.  They also help stop a drippy nose. They’re often the first drug recommended for allergies, but it takes about a week before you’ll notice your symptoms getting better.

Examples of steroid nasal sprays available by prescription include beclomethasone (Beconase, Qnasl), ciclesonide (Zetonna), fluticasone furoate (Veramyst), and mometasone (Nasonex). Three medications can be purchased over the counter — budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR).

Side effects can include headache, sore throat, nosebleed, or cough.

This nasal spray prevents your body from releasing histamines, chemicals that cause allergy symptoms like runny nose and sneezing. It can also help a stuffy nose. Some people see results in only 30 minutes. For it to work best, you need to start using it one to two weeks before allergy season starts and then use it one or more times every day. It doesn’t work as well as steroid nasal sprays.

You can buy NasalCrom as a nasal spray at the drugstore.

Cromolyn sodium is safe for most people. Ask your doctor before using it if you have wheezing from asthma or sinus pain. Side effects can include sneezing and nasal burning.

This prescription nasal spray treats a runny nose by stopping the production of mucus. It doesn’t relieve congestion or sneezing very well.

If you have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate, you may not be able to use Atrovent. Side effects can include headache, nosebleeds, sore throat, or nasal irritation.

© 2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info

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Antiallergic nasal drops and sprays: remedies and drugs for allergic rhinitis

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Allergic rhinitis

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Allergy preparations 900 05

06/27/2023

240 607

4 minutes

Co-author, editor and medical expert – Maksimov Alexander Alekseevich.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Contents:

Classification of antihistamines
Combination therapy for allergies

Allergy medicines are an integral component of treatment ^1,2,3 symptoms caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to a substance 9000 3 3 . The action of such drugs is aimed at eliminating nasal congestion and copious discharge (runny nose), itching, burning ¹ and lacrimation ² .

Modern sprays for allergic rhinitis are characterized by a complex action that allows blocking the production of histamines ⁹ (substances responsible for manifestations of allergies), stop the inflammatory process in the nasal mucosa, regulate the degree of blood supply to the capillaries in it and eliminate one of the most unpleasant manifestations – runny nose, itching and nasal congestion ¹ .

Back to Contents

Classification of antihistamines

• First generation antihistamines are sedatives ² and with a duration of action of less than 6 hours ⁸ , after which the next dose of the drug ² is required. The main disadvantage of the first generation of antihistamines is their ability to become addictive already after 2-3 weeks from the start of use and a side effect in the form of drowsiness ² . This precludes their use in the treatment of allergic reactions (including rhinitis) in children ⁴ . These antihistamines are also contraindicated in people whose occupation does not allow attention disorders ² .
• Second generation – antihistamines that allow you to quite effectively block the production of histamines for 14 hours after administration and do not reduce concentration ² . Like any other antihistamines, they can be addictive, but the completion of the course of treatment (no longer than 10 days) passes without a withdrawal syndrome. The cardiotoxic effect of these drugs (including nasal drops and nasal sprays), which is enhanced when they are taken together with antidepressants and antimycotics, significantly limits the indications for their use. A strict contraindication to the treatment of allergies with second-generation antihistamines are any violations of the cardiovascular system. These preparations are available in various forms, including nasal spray for allergies ⁶ .
• Third generation – drugs that do not have the disadvantages of previous generations, but retain high efficiency in blocking the production of histamines ⁵ . These are active metabolites that do not pose a threat to the heart and blood vessels and are available in various forms – from oral tablets to sprays for allergic rhinitis.

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Combination therapy for allergies

The treatment of allergies, including allergic rhinitis, involves an integrated approach that uses allergic rhinitis sprays in combination with anti-inflammatory nasal drugs (sprays or drops for allergies or allergic rhinitis in the nose), as well as eye drops and glucocorticoids – in depending on doctor’s prescriptions ^{5. 10} .

The decision on the dosage form of the antihistamine and the combination of medicines remains with the doctor and is based on individual characteristics – the severity of reactions, the age of the patient, etc. ⁹ . Particular attention should be paid to the choice of drug complex and allergy spray for the treatment of rhinitis in children ⁴ .

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

See also:

• Allergic rhinitis
• Allergic nasal congestion
• Allergic rhinitis in children

Allergy nasal spray for adults and children from 6 years of age.

Eye drops. Help relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Effective 5 minutes after application. The active substance is levocabastine.

Vasomotor rhinitis as a type of chronic rhinitis. Similarities and differences between allergic and vasomotor rhinitis.

Causes and symptoms with and without runny nose. Nasal congestion in children and pregnant women. Diagnostics. Surgical and conservative method.

First aid for a cold. Non-drug and drug treatment. Application rules.

Nasal saline solution for allergic rhinitis

Relevance

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation (swelling and/or irritation) of the internal tissues of the nose caused by an allergy. This condition is common in both children and adults. Allergic rhinitis can be intermittent (less than four days per week or four weeks per year) or persistent (more than four days per week or four weeks per year). Allergies can be caused by many things, but the most common allergens (substances that cause allergies) are grass or tree pollen, mold, dust mites, or animal dander (tiny bits of skin). People with allergic rhinitis experience symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing) that can affect their quality of life.

Nasal saline irrigation (also known as nasal irrigation) is a procedure in which the nasal cavities are washed with saline. It’s not entirely clear how saline works, but it’s believed to thin the mucus, making it easier to evacuate and remove irritating allergens from the nose. Nasal saline irrigation can be done with sprays, pumps, or injections. Salt solution can be isotonic (the same concentration as in the human body – 0.9% NaCl) or hypertonic (more salty than in the human body – more than 0.9% NaCl). Although saline irrigation is considered safe, cases of epistaxis (nosebleeds) and irritation or discomfort in the nose and ears have been reported. This treatment does not require a prescription and can be used alone or in addition to other pharmacological treatments for allergic rhinitis, such as intranasal (inside the nose) steroids and oral antihistamines.

Search date

Evidence is current to November 2017.

Study profile

We found 14 studies involving 747 people (260 adults; 487 children). The volume of saline used varied: five studies used “extremely low” volumes (nasal spray – less than 5 ml per nostril per application), two studies used low volumes (injection – from 5 to 59 ml of saline into each nostril per application). application), and four – large volumes of solutions (more than 60 ml in each nostril for one application). Eight studies used hypertonic saline, five used isotonic saline, and three did not report this. Two studies used two different types of saline solutions.

Research funding sources

Seven studies did not report funding sources. The other seven were funded either from the research department or through research grants from regional and national governments. None of the studies were funded by pharmaceutical companies.

Main results

Brine Irrigation Versus No Brine Irrigation

Nasal saline irrigation may benefit adults and children by alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis compared with no saline irrigation; unlikely to be associated with unwanted effects. Within the scope of this review, it is not possible to conclude whether there are differences in the case of different volumes and concentrations of brine.

Adding nasal saline irrigation to “pharmacological” treatment of allergic rhinitis

It remains unclear whether the addition of nasal saline irrigation to pharmacological treatment (intranasal steroids or oral antihistamines) improves the management of allergic rhinitis symptoms than pharmacological treatment alone. Nasal saline irrigation is unlikely to be associated with adverse effects.

Nasal saline irrigation versus “pharmacological” treatment of allergic rhinitis

There is not enough evidence to determine whether nasal saline irrigation is superior to, inferior to, or similar to intranasal steroids. None of the studies reporting the outcomes of interest to us compared nasal saline irrigation with oral antihistamines.

Quality of evidence

Overall quality of evidence comparing nasal saline irrigation versus no nasal irrigation was low (our confidence in the effect estimate is limited: the true effect may differ significantly from this estimate) or very low (very low confidence in the effect estimate: the true effect is likely to differ significantly from this estimate).