runny nose from allergies

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication for a stuffy nose caused by allergies or a common cold can help unstuff a blocked nose so you can breathe a little easier. Treatments such as OTC oral decongestants and antihistamines, decongestant or steroid nasal sprays, saline nasal sprays, or taking a hot shower can help open up airways so you can breathe easier.

While these medicines won’t cure your cold, they can make you feel better, so you can rest comfortably as it runs its course.

Here's a comprehensive guide for the best over-the-counter medicines to provide fast relief for a blocked nose due to allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Over-the-Counter Medications for a Stuffy Nose

Congestion or a feeling of a blocked nose is most often caused by a respiratory infection like the common cold or by allergies. More than anything, a stuffy nose can be irritating and interfere with your daily activities. A blocked nose can also be accompanied by other symptoms like a cough, itchy eyes, sore throat, and sneezing. The good news is that when it comes to treatment, you have many options that can provide fast relief for congestion and can be bought OTC at your local pharmacy.

Since there are so many types of medication for congestion, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. You have a choice of antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, or nasal and oral decongestants. Depending on what symptoms you have, will depend on what medicine you need.

Types Of Medications for Congestion

Decongestants

​​Oral blocked nose capsules and nasal spray decongestants are the most common treatments for congestion. They work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages which cause a blocked nose. Decongestants are fast-acting and can quickly open the nasal passage.

Oral decongestants include:

  • Sudafed
  • Sudafed PE
  • Afrin
  • Dristan
  • Vicks Sinex

Nasal decongestant sprays include:

  • Afrin
  • Otrivin
  • Privine

Antihistamines

Antihistamine drugs are also effective for relieving nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose from allergies such as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Over-the-counter blocked nose allergy medication usually comes in the form of oral tablets, capsules, or liquids. Antihistamines drugs are fast-acting and typically begin to work within 30 minutes, providing relief for up to 24 hours.

Antihistamines include:

  • Benadryl
  • Dimetapp
  • Claritin
  • Zyrtec
  • Allegra

Steroid nasal sprays

Steroid or corticosteroid blocked nose nasal sprays relieve congestion from allergies by reducing swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages. Even though these sprays can offer immediate relief, it takes a few weeks to get the full benefits of nasal sprays. If you have seasonal allergies, nasal steroid sprays are recommended to be started a couple of weeks before allergy season begins. In some cases, they may also be used in combination with an oral antihistamine. Steroid nasal sprays include:

  • Flonase
  • Rhinocort
  • Nasonex

Pain relievers

Although pain medication doesn't directly relieve congestion, it can help relieve sinus discomfort, pressure, headache, or pain that congestion causes.

Pain relievers include:

  • Tylenol
  • Advil

Home Remedies for Congestion

Home remedies are equally effective in treating a blocked, stuffy nose and the best part is that these treatments are probably already in your bathroom and kitchen cupboards. You can combine natural, home remedies with OTC medication for the maximum benefit.

Natural remedies include:

  • Staying hydrated
  • Getting plenty of sleep
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet
  • Taking health supplements such as Vitamin C and Zinc
  • Taking a hot shower
  • Using a humidifier or vaporiser
  • Drinking herbal teas
  • Using essential oils

Online4Pharmacy is a full-service online pharmacy, carrying a wide range of OTC medication and treatments for minor medical conditions such as colds, the flu, allergies, and more. Shop online with us for all the top brands including Sudafed, Claritin, Nasonex, and more.