Over The Counter Medicine For Runny Nose And Watery Eyes
Runny nose and watery eyes are common symptoms that many people experience, especially during allergy season or when they have a cold. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and distracting, but fortunately, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that can help alleviate them. In this article, we will discuss the different types of OTC medicines available for runny nose and watery eyes, how they work, and their potential side effects.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a type of medicine that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical that is released by the body in response to an allergen. By blocking histamine, antihistamines can help relieve symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes. Some common OTC antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra).
Antihistamines can come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, and nasal sprays. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so it's important to read the label carefully and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience this side effect. Other potential side effects of antihistamines include dry mouth, dizziness, and headache.
Decongestants
Decongestants are a type of medicine that can help relieve a stuffy or congested nose by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages. This can also help reduce symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes. Some common OTC decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE).
Decongestants can come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, and nasal sprays. It's important to read the label carefully and avoid using decongestant nasal sprays for more than a few days, as they can cause rebound congestion. Other potential side effects of decongestants include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
Nasal Steroids
Nasal steroids are a type of medicine that can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, which can alleviate symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes. Some common OTC nasal steroids include fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort).
Nasal steroids come in the form of nasal sprays. It's important to use them consistently as directed, as it may take several days of use to see an effect. Other potential side effects of nasal steroids include nasal irritation, nosebleeds, and sore throat.
Combination Medicines
Some OTC medicines combine antihistamines, decongestants, and/or nasal steroids to provide relief for multiple symptoms. These combination medicines can be convenient for those who experience both runny nose and congestion, for example. Some common OTC combination medicines include loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D) and cetirizine-pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D).
It's important to read the label carefully and understand the potential side effects of each component of the combination medicine. For example, if you know that pseudoephedrine causes you to feel jittery, you may want to avoid a combination medicine that contains it.
Conclusion
There are many OTC medicines available for runny nose and watery eyes, including antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, and combination medicines. It's important to read the label carefully and understand the potential side effects of each medicine before using it. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.
