Best Over The Counter Medicine For Runny Nose And Sneezing
Runny nose and sneezing are common symptoms of the common cold, flu, and allergies. They can be annoying and uncomfortable, but luckily there are many over-the-counter (OTC) medicines available that can help alleviate these symptoms. In this article, we'll discuss the best OTC medicine for runny nose and sneezing.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a type of medicine that can help relieve symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose and sneezing. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is a chemical that is released by the body when it comes into contact with an allergen.
Some of the most popular antihistamines include:
- Claritin (loratadine) - Claritin is a popular antihistamine that is available over-the-counter. It is available in both tablet and liquid form, and is usually taken once a day.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) - Zyrtec is another popular antihistamine that is available over-the-counter. It is available in both tablet and liquid form, and is usually taken once a day.
- Allegra (fexofenadine) - Allegra is a newer antihistamine that is available over-the-counter. It is available in both tablet and liquid form, and is usually taken once a day.
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness in some people, so it's important to read the label carefully and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Decongestants
Decongestants are a type of medicine that can help relieve nasal congestion, which is a common symptom of a runny nose. They work by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces swelling and allows air to flow more freely.
Some of the most popular decongestants include:
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) - Sudafed is a popular decongestant that is available over-the-counter. It is available in both tablet and liquid form, and is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours.
- Afrin (oxymetazoline) - Afrin is a nasal spray that contains oxymetazoline, a powerful decongestant. It works quickly and can provide relief for up to 12 hours.
- Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine) - Neo-Synephrine is another nasal spray that contains phenylephrine, a mild decongestant. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces swelling and congestion.
Decongestants can cause side effects such as increased blood pressure, so it's important to read the label carefully and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays are a type of medicine that can help relieve nasal congestion and runny nose. They work by delivering medicine directly into the nasal passages, which can provide quick and targeted relief.
Some of the most popular nasal sprays include:
- Flonase (fluticasone) - Flonase is a popular nasal spray that is available over-the-counter. It contains fluticasone, which is a type of steroid that can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Nasonex (mometasone) - Nasonex is another popular nasal spray that is available over-the-counter. It contains mometasone, which is another type of steroid that can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Rhinocort (budesonide) - Rhinocort is a newer nasal spray that is available over-the-counter. It contains budesonide, which is a type of steroid that can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Nasal sprays can cause side effects such as dryness, irritation, and nosebleeds, so it's important to read the label carefully and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Conclusion
If you're suffering from a runny nose and sneezing, there are many over-the-counter medicines available that can help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays are all effective options, but it's important to read the label carefully and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
