Treatments for nasal allergies

From antihistamines to nasal sprays, find out what medicines can be used to treat and prevent the symptoms of nasal allergies

woman using nasal spray
DKartGetty Images

In this section you'll find information about the different medicines available to treat and prevent hay fever like symptoms caused by pet, dust mite or other similar allergies. Don't forget this is only a guide – talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you've any questions about treatments for nasal allergies.

Antihistamine tablets and syrups

Antihistamines stop allergic reactions and relieve symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, itching in the nasal passages, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. They can be taken for a few days before you are exposed to the thing that causes your allergy. Or you can take them to reduce symptoms once they have started. It's worth noting than no antihistamine is better or stronger than any other - but some people find that if one doesn't work for them, that another one will. You may need to try more than one type before you find the one that works best for you.

Non-sedating antihistamines

These typically don't make you feel sleepy and are preferred by most people. You can buy products containing cetirizine, loratadine and acrivastine without a prescription from pharmacies or supermarkets, but all the others must be prescribed by your doctor.

    Sedating antihistamines

    These antihistamines can make you feel sleepy, especially if you drink alcohol while taking them. Some you can buy from pharmacies or supermarkets, others need a prescription from your doctor.

      Nasal sprays

      Medicines used directly in the nose usually have fewer side effects than medicines taken by mouth. There are a few different types of nasal spray you can use for nasal allergies.

      Allergen barriers

      These are not medicines as such. They form a gel-like barrier on the inside of your nose that traps allergens and prevents them from setting off an allergic reaction. You have to re-use these sprays a few times a day and after blowing your nose, but some people find them useful for stopping an allergic reaction coming on.


        Antihistamine nasal sprays can quickly reduce the symptoms of a nasal allergy and can be useful if you have a flare-up of your allergy. Available from a pharmacy.


          Used regularly, these are more effective than antihistamine nasal sprays, particularly for persistent symptoms. They work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which helps relieve a blocked or itchy nose and sneezing. They can take two to three days to have their full effect, so it is most effective to start using them a few days before you expect to get symptoms, for example if you know you are going to a house where there are pets that give you the allergy.

          Some of these nasal sprays can be bought from your pharmacist, while others have to be prescribed by your doctor.


            This medicine is an alternative to corticosteroid nasal sprays for relieving persistent nasal allergy symptoms, though it may not be as effective. It can be used in all age groups. It works best if you start using it a couple of weeks before you are exposed to the allergen. Available from a pharmacy.

              Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
              More From Allergy and Asthma