Saline mist or spray
Saline
Moistens dry nasal passages. A small mist is different from a larger rinse.
Treatments, by active ingredient
Start with what is in the bottle. A brand can sell several different formulations.
Some evidence
Saline irrigation
Saline
A larger-volume rinse to flush mucus and allergens. A reasonable optional addition.
Fluticasone propionate nasal spray
Nasal corticosteroid · Examples: Flonase Allergy Relief
A daily option for persistent nasal allergy symptoms, especially blockage.
Triamcinolone nasal spray
Nasal corticosteroid · Examples: Nasacort Allergy 24HR
Another daily nasal steroid for allergy symptoms.
Budesonide nasal spray
Nasal corticosteroid · Examples: Rhinocort Allergy / generic equivalents
A daily nasal steroid. Full benefit can take longer than initial improvement.
Azelastine 0.15% nasal spray
Nasal antihistamine · Examples: Astepro Allergy
An OTC nasal antihistamine for nasal allergy symptoms.
Cetirizine
Second-generation oral antihistamine · Examples: Zyrtec
An oral option for itching, sneezing, runny nose and eye symptoms.
Loratadine
Second-generation oral antihistamine · Examples: Claritin
An oral allergy option that is usually less sedating than older antihistamines.
Fexofenadine
Second-generation oral antihistamine · Examples: Allegra
An oral option for allergy symptoms, with relatively low sedation potential.
Diphenhydramine
First-generation oral antihistamine · Examples: Benadryl Allergy
A sedating older antihistamine. This finder does not suggest it as a routine first choice.
Oxymetazoline nasal spray
Nasal decongestant · Examples: Afrin Original
Temporary relief for a blocked nose, with a strict short-use limit.
Pseudoephedrine
Oral decongestant · Examples: Sudafed Congestion
Temporary congestion relief. A pharmacist should check health conditions and interactions.
Oral phenylephrine
Oral decongestant · Examples: Sudafed PE formulations
Not suggested for congestion because FDA’s review found it ineffective at the assessed oral doses.
Phenylephrine nasal spray
Nasal decongestant
A topical decongestant, distinct from oral phenylephrine. Included for comparison and overuse checks.
Acetaminophen
Pain / fever medicine · Examples: Tylenol
For pain or fever. It will not open a blocked nose.
Ibuprofen / NSAIDs
Pain / fever medicine · Examples: Advil, Motrin
For pain or fever. This finder routes NSAID choices through a pharmacist.
Not sure which class fits? Explore your symptoms.