Along the same lines as OTC options, antihistamine medications, such as Sudafed, Claritin, Zyrtec or Benadryl, can also offer sinus infection symptom relief. While these medications specifically target allergy symptoms, sinus infection symptoms can be similar, making antihistamines worth a try.
Does Zyrtec dry up mucus?
When they dry out mucus, they can actually thicken it. Newer antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and desloratadine (Clarinex), may be better options and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Is Zyrtec good for sinus drainage?
Do not take antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (one brand: Benadryl), loratadine (one brand: Claritin), or cetirizine (one brand: Zyrtec) for sinus symptoms because they make mucus thicker and harder to drain.
What is the best over the counter medicine to dry up sinus drainage?
“Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus.” Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed. “I recommend taking this in the morning only.
Do Antihistamines stop sinus drainage?
Antihistamines and decongestants can often help with postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections. They can also be effective, along with steroid nasal sprays, for postnasal drip caused by allergies.
Is Zyrtec or Claritin better for post nasal drip?
Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Studies have not compared the effects of Zyrtec and Claritin for conditions such as postnasal drip, but research suggests intranasal antihistamines such as azelastine are more effective.
Does Claritin dry up mucus?
If it’s caused by allergies, an allergy medication like Claritin can help dry out the mucus that causes congestion, coughing, and a sore throat. Other medications like nasal sprays, Mucinex, and Sudafed might be used if postnasal drip is being caused by a cold or the flu.
What is the best allergy medicine for sinus drainage?
If severe nasal congestion is your worst symptom, a decongestant may be your best choice. Decongestants cut down on the increased fluid production in your nose caused by allergies, which relieves swollen nasal passages and congestion.
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Decongestants combined with an antihistamine:
- Allegra – D.
- Clarinex – D.
- Claritin – D.
Does Zyrtec have Sudafed in it?
ZYRTEC-D® contains pseudoephedrine, which relieves nasal congestion. So it relieves all the same symptoms as ZYRTEC®, plus it also has a powerful decongestant.
How do I unclog my nose from allergies?
Here are eight things you can do now to feel and breathe better.
- Use a humidifier. A humidifier provides a quick, easy way to reduce sinus pain and relieve a stuffy nose. …
- Take a shower. …
- Stay hydrated. …
- Use a saline spray. …
- Drain your sinuses. …
- Use a warm compress. …
- Try decongestants. …
- Take antihistamines or allergy medicine.
What dries up post nasal drip?
Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip. Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) can work to get rid of postnasal drip.
What dries up mucus naturally?
Steam. Keeping the air moist can loosen mucus and reduce congestion and coughing. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend using a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer. People with difficulty sleeping may wish to use a humidifier at night.
Is flonase good for sinus drainage?
Prescription nasal sprays like Nasonex and Flonase may ease symptoms by reducing inflammation, which promotes sinus drainage, he says.
Do Antihistamines dry up mucus?
Antihistamines and decongestants may dry out the mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses and slow the movement of the cilia (the tiny hairs that line the nose, sinuses, and the air passages inside the lungs and that remove irritants). This can make mucus thicker, adding to drainage problems.
Does blowing your nose make congestion worse?
Feeling stuffy? Blowing your nose could make you feel worse. That’s because you’re building up the pressure in your nostrils. This pressure can cause mucus to shoot up into your sinuses, instead of out of your nose.
Can antihistamines make sinuses worse?
Antihistamines — These medications help to relieve the symptoms of nasal allergies that lead to inflammation and infections. However, some doctors advise against using antihistamines during a sinus infection because they can cause excessive drying and slow the drainage process.18 мая 2020 г.