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Allergy medications: Know your options

Allergen immunotherapy
Emergency epinephrine shots
Get your doctor's advice
Content
Antihistamines
Corticosteroids
Nasal sprays
Inhalers
Skin creams
Mast cell stabilizers
Nasal spray
Eye drops
Allergen and biological immunotherapy
Shots
Decongestants
Nasal decongestant sprays and drops
Pills and liquids
Leukotriene inhibitors
Emergency allergy medicine
Get your healthcare team's advice

Nasal sprays

Corticosteroid sprays, also called glucocorticoid sprays, prevent and relieve nasal allergy symptoms. These medicines are very effective on their own for treating ongoing or seasonal hay fever.

Side effects can include an unpleasant taste, nasal irritation and nosebleeds.

Examples of glucocorticoid nasal sprays:

  • Mometasone (Nasonex).
  • Fluticasone furoate (Flonase Sensimist).
  • Fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief).
  • Flunisolide.
  • Triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR).
  • Budesonide (Rhinocort).

Aerosol formulas provide the benefits without the unpleasant taste or the feeling of liquid running down the throat.

Examples include:

  • Beclomethasone (Qnasl).
  • Ciclesonide (Zetonna).