Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids suppress inflammation caused by allergies. This relieves symptoms.

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).

Eye drops

Corticosteroid eye drops provide special relief for itchy, red or watery eyes when other treatments don't work. An eye doctor, also called an ophthalmologist, usually monitors the use of these eye drops because of risks.

Risks include cataracts, glaucoma and infection.

Examples of corticosteroid eye drops include:

• Loteprednol (Alrex, Lotemax).
• Prednisolone (Omnipred, Pred Forte, others).

Pills and liquids

Oral corticosteroids are used to treat severe symptoms caused by all types of allergic reactions. These medicines can worsen high blood pressure and cause other long-term risks.

Long-term risks include cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, stomach ulcers, high blood sugar and delayed growth in children.

Prescription oral corticosteroids include:

• Prednisolone (Prelone).
• Prednisone.
• Methylprednisolone (Medrol).

Inhalers

Inhaled corticosteroids are often used in the daily treatment of asthma. Asthma is caused or worsened by reactions to airborne allergy triggers, also called allergens. Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with other medicines that open the airways called bronchodilators.

Side effects are often minor. Inhalers can irritate the mouth and throat and cause oral yeast infections, also called thrush.

Prescription inhalers include:

• Beclomethasone (Qvar Redihaler).
• Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler).
• Ciclesonide (Alvesco).
• Fluticasone (Flovent, ArmonAir Digihaler).
• Mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler).

Skin creams

Corticosteroid creams relieve allergic skin reactions such as itching, scaling, or a change in skin color. Although some mild treatments are available without a prescription, talk to your care team before using these creams for more than a few weeks.

Side effects can include irritation and a change in skin color. Long-term use can cause thinning of the skin and changes to hormone levels, especially with stronger prescription corticosteroids.

Examples include:

• Hydrocortisone (Locoid, Micort-HC, others).
• Desonide (DesOwen).
• Mometasone.
• Fluocinolone (Synalar).
• Triamcinolone.
• Betamethasone (Dermabet, Diprolene, others).