Over The Counter Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis
The common OTC medications for allergic rhinitis have been grouped as: 1–4
These medications are commonly available as combination products.
Antihistamines
These are effective in reducing the symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and itching but do not relieve congestion. Some of the commonly available OTC antihistamines include:
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Dosage
- Chlorpheniramine—4 mg orally at 4–6 hourly intervals; the total dose should not exceed 24 mg/day.
- Diphenhydramine—25–50 mg orally at 4–6 hourly intervals; the total dose should not exceed 400 mg/day.
- Loratadine—10 mg PO orally at 4–6 hourly intervals.
Contraindications
Side-Effects
- Causes drowsiness (except loratidine), operating machinery or driving is not recommended after consumption.
Decongestants
These are helpful in clearing congestion in the nose. Pseudoephedrine is the commonly available OTC decongestant.
Dosage
Pseudoephedrine 30–60 mg orally at 4–6 hourly intervals; the total dose should not exceed 240 mg/day.
Contraindications
Side-Effects
Can cause nervousness, rapid heart rate
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: March 21, 2012