Allergy Medicine: Cromolyn Sodium
Cromolyn sodium (Nasalcrom
®) is often used for
allergy treatment. It is a nasal spray that, in some people, helps prevent allergic rhinitis from starting. When used as a nasal spray, it can safely stop the release of chemicals like histamine from mast cells. It is available over-the-counter and is used three to four times a day.
It has few side effects when used as directed and significantly helps some people manage their
allergies.
Doctors often recommend this allergy medicine for children because it is extremely safe and is available without a prescription.
Decongestants Used as Allergy Medicine
In some cases, helping the nasal passages to drain away mucus will relieve
allergy symptoms such as congestion, swelling, excess secretions, and discomfort in the sinus areas.
Your doctor may recommend using oral or nasal decongestants to reduce congestion, along with an antihistamine to control allergic symptoms. Common over-the-counter decongestants include Sudafed®, Actifed®, and Drixoral®.
People with
heart disease, thyroid disease, or
diabetes should not use decongestants unless a doctor says it's okay. If you're taking a drug containing an MAO inhibitor (sometimes used to treat
depression), never use a decongestant.
You should not, however, use over-the-counter or prescription decongestant nose drops and sprays for more than a few days. When used for longer periods, these medicines can lead to even more congestion and swelling of the nasal passages. Because of recent concerns about the bad effects of decongestant sprays and drops, some have been removed from store shelves.
Nasal spray decongestants include Afrin® (oxymetazoline) and Neo-Synephrine® (phenylephrine).
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