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All products and services featured here are chosen for their potential to inspire and enable your wellness. Everyday Health may earn an affiliate commission on items you purchase. Chronic allergies affect millions of people around the globe, and there’s no denying the discomfort they cause. A 2017 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has found that 80 percent of those with seasonal allergies report moderate-to-severe symptoms that significantly impair their quality of life. But although allergies can’t be cured outright, those afflicted can take over-the-counter medications to alleviate some of the symptoms, which may include sneezing, runny nose, coughing and water eyes. According to Laura Moore, MD, allergist-immunologist at the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Center of Alaska, allergy medications available today can be broken down into the three main categories: oral antihistamines, nasal steroids, and eye drops. Individuals who suffer from allergies may take one medication from each category (nasal steroid, eye drop, and oral antihistamine) at the same time, says Dr. Moore. However, you should never double up (i.e. use multiple nasal steroids together). If symptoms persist, it’s best to schedule an appointment with an allergist. You might require prescription treatment options and/or immunotherapy. But for most people, a regimen of over-the-counter allergy medications can help. Here’s what you need to know. Oral AntihistaminesAccording to Moore, oral antihistamines can be good for combatting those common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and watery/drippy nose and eyes. And fortunately, most people have no issue tolerating these medications. They can be taken daily or as needed. However, before popping a pill, make sure you look carefully to see if it could make you drowsy so you take it at the appropriate times. Here are the four main long-acting oral antihistamines available over-the-counter: Claritin 24-Hour Allergy Tablets
Sinus decongestants are products that can relieve pressure in your head and nose. If you’re having trouble breathing due to cold, flu, or allergies, these products are designed to relieve your symptoms and help you carry on with your day. These medications are available over the counter at affordable prices, but that doesn’t always make it easy to choose one that’s best for you. Every over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant formula is different. Some target multiple symptoms and bring together multiple active ingredients to do so. Others are designed simply to relieve a stuffy nose caused by allergies. Some may make you drowsy, while others might make it difficult for you to sleep. Knowing the difference between these products will help you choose the best product for your symptoms and situation. We rounded up the best decongestants you can buy over the counter to make the decision-making process easier. Having a basic understanding of common decongestant types might help you narrow down what kind of product you are looking for. In general:
Pricing guide
Best OTC sinus decongestant for allergiesBenadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Ultratabs
What we liked: These tablets contain diphenhydramine, an antihistamine ingredient that fights allergy symptoms, as well as phenylephrine, which reduces sinus congestion. You can take one of these tablets every 4 hours throughout the day, and reviewers note that they take effect relatively quickly. What to know: These tablets aren’t intended to fight the flu or a cold, so they should only be taken if your sinus congestion is caused by allergies. You should also be aware that diphenhydramine can make you feel quite sleepy, so avoid this medication on days when you need to be alert. Best OTC sinus decongestant for a headacheAdvil Sinus Congestion and Pain
What we liked: These coated tablets contain proven decongestant ingredient phenylephrine along with pain reliever ibuprofen. You can take a tablet up to every four hours. The combination of nasal swelling relief, along with the pain relief medication, can quickly relieve many sinus-related headaches. Many reviewers who have frequent sinus headaches swear by this product as being better than even some prescription medications. What to know: Make sure to keep track of the amount of ibuprofen you’re taking if you’re using this product. Don’t take additional pain relievers, like acetaminophen or aspirin, along with this product unless you’re instructed to by a doctor. It’s easy to end up taking a dose that’s higher than recommended of analgesics when you’re mixing medications. Best OTC sinus decongestant nasal sprayAfrin No Drip Severe Congestion
What we liked: Nasal sprays like Afrin shrink swollen nasal passages by directly applying an active ingredient to your sinuses. The advantage of this can be that sprays tend to work more quickly than a tablet or a liquid decongestant. Afrin’s spray contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride as well as menthol, which relaxes and refreshes your nasal passages pretty much right away, according to reviewers. What to know: Afrin should only be used temporarily to relieve sinus congestion. Rebound stuffiness can occur in as little as 3 days. Using nasal sprays for a long duration can lead to side effects. Best OTC sinus decongestant for kidsLittle Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops
What we liked: These dye-free drops contain phenylephrine in a dosage that’s safe for kids 2 and up. The dropper-dose formula can be applied 2 to 3 drops at a time directly to nasal passages, which makes for fast relief. (No waiting for tablets to kick in at bedtime). This decongestant can work for symptoms of a cold or flu, or it can be used to help manage congestion caused by allergies. What to know: It can be difficult to get little ones to sit still and have the drops applied into their nose. You may have better luck putting the formula in a spray-mist bottle or another mist-based bottle to get your child to cooperate. Best OTC decongestant day/night duoSudafed PE Day and Night Sinus Pressure Tablets
What we liked: These tablets contain phenylephrine for sinus congestion relief during the daytime, as well as an additional antihistamine ingredient for nighttime use. These ingredients can treat environmental allergies as well as congestion caused by the common cold. There are 12 tablets meant for daytime use and 8 that you can take at night, which means you can take a few extra tablets during the day if you need to but stick to one right before bedtime once you’re ready to sleep. What to know: There’s no pain relief ingredient included in either the day or nighttime formulas of these tablets. That means that if you have a headache and treating your sinus pressure doesn’t give you relief, you might still find yourself reaching for acetaminophen at the end of the day. Best OTC sinus decongestant on a budgetCabinet Nasal Decongestant Tablets
What we liked: This mega-size container of 225 tablets is a great solution if multiple people in your family are prone to allergies or sinus headaches. The no-frills phenylephrine formula is comparable to the dosage you’d find in a name brand, but at a fraction of the cost. The formula doesn’t contain anything that will make you sleepy, and you can take a tablet every 4 hours on days when symptoms are hitting you hard. What to know: Some customers complained that the bottle is too large to fit in their medicine cabinet, which seems like a small complaint for a product if you’ll be using it often. This particular tablet only targets sinus congestion, so it will not relieve symptoms like fever or a cough. Best OTC decongestant for bedtimeMucinex Nightshift Cold and Flu Liquid
What we liked: This liquid formula contains a pain reliever, a cough suppressant, and an antihistamine ingredient that work together to give you a good night’s sleep when you’re sick. It does not contain any decongestant, however, so keep that in mind when using this treatment. It’s great for bedtime because it tames coughing fits that may be keeping you up at night. Although it does not contain a decongestant, the antihistamine ingredient may also reduce nasal congestion caused by seasonal allergies. What to know: Unlike the other decongestants on this list, this product doesn’t contain anything that loosens mucus. Some reviewers note that they really dislike the taste of this medicine. When you’re figuring out which decongestant to buy, you’ll need to determine what’s causing your congestion. If it’s allergies, you’ll probably want a product that contains an antihistamine ingredient like diphenhydramine. Antihistamines target your body’s immune response to allergens like pollen. Antihistamines usually make the person taking them a bit drowsy, so keep in mind taking them at any time other than bedtime may have you needing a nap. If you have cold or flu symptoms, you may be looking for a product that includes phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. These ingredients work by shrinking your blood vessels, which can help you breathe more easily and reduce the symptoms of a sinus headache or a stuffy nose. However, both of these ingredients can cause you to feel restless and can make it difficult to fall asleep. These types of drugs can also make you nauseous. Generally, phenylephrine may have fewer serious side effects than pseudoephedrine. You should always consult a doctor before taking these meds if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some OTC sinus decongestant formulas include both antihistamines and decongestant ingredients, and some add pain relief ingredients such as ibuprofen to their formula. It’s best to treat for symptoms that you have, not for additional symptoms that you don’t have. If you’re already taking over-the-counter pain relief medication for, say, a sinus headache, you don’t want to add additional pain relief meds into the mix if you don’t need to. It’s difficult to keep track of dosage when you’re mixing medications that have overlapping active ingredients, and too much of any pain reliever can lead to complications like stomach problems, rebound headaches, and kidney damage. Treating your congestion with OTC products doesn’t always provide relief. You should seek professional medical care if you experience any of the following:
There are also home remedies that you can use to relieve discomfort and clear your congestion. Natural decongestion remedies include:
When should I use a nasal decongestant?If you have mild congestion caused by cold, flu, or seasonal allergies, you may want to consider an OTC nasal decongestant. This can help clear up your nasal passages and help you breathe more easily. You don’t have to take a decongestant as part of your at-home treatment regimen. Once your infection clears away or your allergies aren’t triggered, the congestion will clear up on its own. Can or should I take a sinus decongestant for a sinus infection?You can take certain decongestants for a sinus infection. Decongestants that contain only pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are more typically recommended for a sinus infection. Decongestants with additional ingredients like antihistamines may suppress your body’s immune response and interfere with your body’s ability to fight the infection. If you have a severe sinus infection or if you’re on antibiotics, consult with your doctor about the best OTC medication choice for you. Do sinus decongestants work for ear congestion?Sinus decongestants can work to relieve pressure in the upper sinus cavities. If you have ear congestion, relieving this pressure can help manage your pain. But sinus decongestants can’t treat an underlying ear infection. Is it safe to take sinus decongestants while pregnant?It depends on the active ingredient. OTC pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine should only be used during pregnancy under your doctor’s supervision. They should not be used during the first trimester, only after, and even then, only with your doctor’s recommendation. Talk with your doctor before using drugs containing these ingredients if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Research in animals has shown adverse effects on the fetus when the mother takes these drugs. There haven’t been enough studies with humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus. These drugs should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Can you take sinus decongestants if you have high blood pressure?Phenylephrine is not considered to be safe if you have high blood pressure. Sinus decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine may actually raise your blood pressure and counteract the blood pressure medication that you’re on. If you have high blood pressure, you should speak with your doctor about which decongestant they recommend for you. The best way to choose an OTC decongestant is to look at the active ingredients. A good decongestant should treat only the symptoms you have, and not any additional symptoms you don’t have. OTC decongestants are not a solution for severe, long-lasting sinus infections and chronic allergies. You may need to speak with your doctor about a long-term strategy if you find that OTC decongestants aren’t effectively managing your symptoms. What is the best medicine for allergies and sinus?Nasal steroid sprays such as Flonase® (fluticasone), Nasacort ®(triamcinolone) or Rhinocort® (budesonide) and Sensimyst® will help to reduce nasal and sinus inflammation. These can be used in addition to oral antihistamines to treat upper respiratory allergies (sneezing, runny nose, etc.).
Is Claritin or Zyrtec better for sinus pressure?With an added decongestant, both medications are effective for treating sinus pressure and nasal congestion. Some studies suggest that Zyrtec is more potent than Claritin. However, Zyrtec may have more sedative effects than Claritin. Consult your healthcare provider for the best allergy medicine for you.
Which antihistamine is best for sinus allergies?Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are three second-generation antihistamines that alleviate allergy symptoms that can lead to sinusitis. Some of them can be used daily.
Is Claritin or Zyrtec better for allergies?“Zyrtec is found to be more potent, or stronger, in laboratory studies, compared with Claritin,” says Dr. Kung. “It also reaches a higher concentration in the skin, which can be more helpful for skin-related allergies. However, Zyrtec has a greater chance of making you sleepy while taking it.”
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Best over the counter medicine for allergies and sinus
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