Medications for allergic rhinitis are used to treat seasonal and year-round allergies. These medications also have other uses, such as managing asthma, eczema, and chronic hives. They work in different ways, such as reducing inflammation, blocking histamines, or suppressing the immune response. Treatment for allergic rhinitis includes nasal sprays and oral dosage forms, both over-the-counter and prescription. Common classes include corticosteroids, antihistamines, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. Corticosteroids like fluticasone propionate (Flonase) are usually available as nasal sprays, while others like prednisone (Rayos) and methylprednisolone (Medrol) are available in oral tablet form. Antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin), are typically taken by mouth as well. Another effective class, the leukotriene receptor antagonists, include montelukast (Singulair) and are also available in oral tablet form. These options provide different ways to help manage your allergy symptoms effectively.
