Writen by: Rebecca Webb, PharmD Pharmacy Clinical Services Manager

Spring has arrived and for millions of Americans, this also means the arrival of spring allergies.  Roughly 25% of adults in the U.S. experience seasonal allergies, also commonly referred to as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis.  Seasonal allergies occur when your body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a normally harmless allergen (e.g., plant pollen) as an intruder.  Your body reacts by releasing chemicals, such as histamine, to eliminate these allergens.  This reaction triggers symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, dark circles under your eyes, and itching or irritation of the roof of your mouth, nose, throat, and eyes.  Spring allergies can make anyone feel miserable.  Fortunately, certain everyday strategies and over-the-counter (i.e., “OTC” or medications available without a prescription) options may help to control your spring allergy symptoms. 

 

What are some everyday strategies to reduce your exposure to allergens? 

• Avoid being outside on dry, windy days.

• Avoid being outside early in the mornings during times of high pollen count. 

• Minimize time mowing lawns or other gardening activities.  Wear a mask when this cannot be avoided. 

• Change clothes and shower after being outdoors.

• Do not hang laundry outside to dry. 

• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning in your car and home. 

• Use air purifiers and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. 

• Keep your pets’ coats clean and free from pollen. 

• Avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes. 

 

What OTC medications can help with managing spring allergy symptoms?

There are several classes of OTC medications that can be used to treat spring allergy symptoms.  Medications are available in a variety of dosage forms, including but not limited to, tablets, capsules, eye drops, and nasal sprays.  There are also a variety of combination products. 

• Antihistamines – These are a widely used and effective medication class for spring allergy symptoms.  They work by blocking the release of histamine and therefore, its effects in the body.  There are two main categories of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation.  First-generation are also known as sedating antihistamines because they can all cause sleepiness, drowsiness, and impaired alertness.  Other side effects of these may include dizziness, dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention.*  Second-generation are also known as non-sedating antihistamines as they do not tend to cause drowsiness in most individuals (although they may in some individuals).  They are generally the preferred choice for seasonal allergy symptom management.

Oral antihistamines –  Examples of first-generation oral antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl® Allergy), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton® Allergy), and brompheniramine.  Examples of second-generation oral antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec® Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra® Allergy), loratadine (Claritin®, Alavert®), and levocetirizine (Xyzal® Allergy 24HR). 

Antihistamine nasal sprays – Examples include azelastine (Astepro® Allergy).  These may help alleviate some nasal allergy symptoms.  Side effects may include drowsiness, a bitter taste in the mouth, and nasal discomfort.*   

Antihistamine eye drops – Examples include olopatadine (Pataday®) and ketotifen (Alaway®, Zaditor®).  These can be used to manage spring allergy symptoms effecting the eyes.  

 

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays – These can be used for the relief of nasal symptoms caused by spring allergies.  They work by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation during reactions to allergens.  Side effects of steroid nasal sprays may include nasal irritation and nasal bleeding*.  Examples are fluticasone (Flonase® Allergy Relief, Flonase® Sensimist Allergy Relief), triamcinolone (Nasacort® Allergy 24HR), mometasone (Nasonex® 24HR Allergy), and budesonide (Rhinocort® Allergy).

 

• Decongestants – These can be used for the temporary treatment of nasal congestion.  However, they are not intended for the long-term management of allergy symptoms.  Decongestants can cause side effects of elevated blood pressure, headaches, and insomnia*.  Therefore, they are not recommended in certain individuals (e.g., individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, etc.).  An example of an oral decongestant is pseudoephedrine (Sudafed® Sinus Congestion).  Decongestant nasal sprays, such as oxymetazoline nasal spray (Afrin®) are for short-term use only.  

 

• Oral Decongestant/antihistamine combination products – These include cetirizine-pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D® Allergy + Sinus), fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D® Allergy & Congestion), and loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D® Allergy + Congestion, Alavert® D-12 Hour).

 

If you suffer from spring allergies, talk with your Food City Pharmacist about which options would be the safest and most effective for you.  Over-the-counter medications have specific directions for use, age limitations/restrictions, dosing information, warnings/precautions, side effects, and drug interactions.  It is important to always read package instructions carefully and discuss your questions or concerns with your Food City Pharmacist.  

 

When should you contact your doctor about your spring allergies? 

Contact your doctor if your symptoms are not improving with OTC medications or your symptoms worsen.  Furthermore, if your spring allergies are disrupting your daily routine, are keeping you from sleeping, or persist beyond seven to ten days, contact your healthcare provider.  Your doctor may choose to prescribe other medications or recommend you consult with an allergist/immunologist.  For some individuals, allergy shots may be an option.  If you develop a cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, or other complication, it is imperative to contact your doctor or medical assistance immediately.  

*Side effects may include but are not limited to. 

^References:

^{1. Almost a Third of U.S. Adults and Children Have at Least One Allergy. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/releases/20260108.html. Accessed February 25, 2026.}