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Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation inside the nose caused by allergens, producing sneezing, itching, watery discharge and congestion, often with itchy or watery eyes.

Singulair

Montelukast

4 · 5 · 10mg

Montelukast 4mg, 5mg and 10mg, as chewable and film-coated tablets, used for asthma and allergic rhinitis. A leukotriene receptor antagonist.

From$1.08/ tabletView

Rhinocort

Budesonide

100mcg

Budesonide 100mcg nasal spray solution, used in the management of allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps. A glucocorticoid applied inside the nose.

From$41.81/ inhalerView

Allegra

Fexofenadine

120 · 180mg

Fexofenadine 120mg and 180mg film-coated tablets, used for seasonal allergic rhinitis and urticaria. A second-generation H1-receptor antagonist.

From$1.20/ tabletView

Flonase Nasal Spray

Fluticasone

50mcg

Flonase Nasal Spray is fluticasone 50mcg as a nasal suspension for allergic rhinitis, a glucocorticoid applied inside the nose.

From$35.38/ sprayView

Periactin

Cyproheptadine

4mg

Cyproheptadine 4mg tablets, used for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. A first-generation antihistamine that also blocks serotonin at its receptors.

From$0.48/ tabletView

Ilaxten

Bilastine

20 · 40mg

Ilaxten is bilastine 20mg and 40mg tablets for allergic rhinitis and urticaria, a selective H1 antagonist that does not sedate.

From$1.09/ tabletView

Dymista

Fluticasone, Azelastine

50/140mcg

Fluticasone with azelastine as a nasal spray suspension, used for allergic rhinitis. A nasal corticosteroid paired with an H1 receptor antagonist.

From$24.86/ sprayView

Astelin

Azelastine

10ml

Astelin is azelastine as a 10ml nasal spray for allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. A long-acting H1 antagonist that also stabilises mast cells.

From$27.54/ sprayView

Rhinocort Nasal Spray

Budesonide

64mcg

Rhinocort Nasal Spray is budesonide at 64mcg per spray for allergic rhinitis, a glucocorticoid with strong local action and little beyond it.

From$19.04/ sprayView

Key points

  • Symptom timing and triggers help distinguish intermittent exposure from persistent allergy and guide avoidance measures.
  • Antihistamines mainly help itch, sneezing and runny nose; intranasal corticosteroids are generally more effective for congestion.
  • One-sided blockage, recurrent nosebleeds, facial pain or loss of smell may indicate another condition.

The listings below are not a universal combination regimen; symptom pattern, age, pregnancy and other conditions affect selection.

Confirming the pattern

Symptoms may follow pollen, animal, dust-mite or mould exposure and can disrupt sleep or concentration. Examination helps identify polyps, infection or structural blockage. Allergy testing is useful when the suspected trigger is unclear or the result would change avoidance or immunotherapy decisions.

Using treatments well

Saline rinsing can reduce allergen load. A non-sedating antihistamine may suit prominent itch and sneezing, while a correctly used nasal corticosteroid needs regular use for best effect. Technique matters: aim the spray away from the septum. Decongestant sprays should be brief because prolonged use can worsen blockage.

When to seek urgent care

Allergic rhinitis itself is rarely an emergency. Call emergency services for tongue or throat swelling, wheezing, breathing difficulty, faintness or collapse, which suggest a more serious systemic reaction.

Further reading

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