A common symptom of an allergic reaction is sinus inflammation, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the sinus cavity becomes irritated from allergens, it swells and over-produces mucus, leading to sinus drainage, congestion and sinus pressure pain. Most sinus allergy symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. A person should talk to his doctor before taking any medication. The best OTC medicines for sinus allergies are decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin and a second-generation antihistamine such as loratadine or cetirizine.
Decongestants
The most common decongestant used to treat sinus allergies is pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine works by restricting blood blow to the sinus cavity, reducing the amount of inflammation and swelling, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Phenylephrine is another common decongestant available OTC. Phenylephrine may be found on the store shelves while pseudoephedrine has been moved to behind the pharmacy counter.
Decongestants directly address a stuffy nose and pain associated with sinus pressure. Certain types of decongestants may cause nervousness, irritability and sleeplessness. A pregnant or nursing mother should consult with her doctor before taking these drugs. Children under the age of 6 should not take decongestants unless directed by a doctor.
Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relievers
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers are commonly used for sinus allergy because of their dual purpose. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers reduce pain throughout the body while reducing inflammation in the sinus cavity. The most common anti-inflammatory pain relievers are ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. People who are allergic to aspirin, drink more than three alcoholic drinks a day, have stomach ulcers, suffer from liver, kidney or heart disease, or someone taking blood thinners should not use these types of drugs. Acetaminophen may be an alternative for people who cannot take anti-inflammatory drugs.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used to prevent allergic reactions. Antihistamines help to maintain proper histamine levels in the body, avoiding common allergy symptoms such as sinus inflammation. These drugs are categorized into two different classes: first-generation and second-generation. First-generation antihistamines (chlorpheniramine, dimenhydinate, diphenhydramine) are older and are more powerful but are known for causing drowsiness. Second-generation antihistamines (loratadine and cetirizine) are a newer type of drug that commonly lasts for 24-hours and not make most people drowsy. According to the AAFP, antihistamines do not have adverse reactions in most healthy adults.
