Decongestants temporarily relieve nasal and sinus congestion, and are available alone or combined with antihistamines, according to MayoClinic.com. A congested or stuffy nose is a common symptom of colds and allergies, and is often caused by swollen membranes that line the nose. Decongestants reduce the swelling by narrowing blood vessels that supply blood to the nose, causing the membranes to reduce in size. Common kinds of prescription decongestants include fexofenadine, triamcinolone and desloratadine.
Fexofenadine
Allegra is a brand-name prescription drug that contains fexofenadine and is indicated for relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis, or also called hay fever, in adults and children 2 years of age and older, according to the product label. Hay fever is characterized by nasal congestion caused by pollen and other allergens. Allegra is available in tablets, orally disintegrating tablets and liquid. Grapefruit, orange and apple juice can reduce the bioavailability of fexofenadine. Common side effects of fexofenadine include headache, backache, menstrual cramps, coughing, upper respiratory tract infection and vomiting.
Triamcinolone
Nasacort AQ is a brand-name prescription medication that contains triamcinolone, a corticosteroid, and is indicated for treatment of nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children 2 years of age and older, according to the product label. Nasacort AQ is available in a nasal spray. Each metered pump dose spray contains 55 mcg of triamcinolone. Inflammation of the throat and lungs, cough, flu and indigestion are common adverse reactions from the drug.
Desloratadine
Clarinex is a prescription medicine in a class called antihistamines, a type of drug that blocks the action of histamine, a natural substance in the body the immune system releases during an allergic reaction, according to the product website. Antihistamines relieve symptoms of allergies and runny nose caused by exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mite, mold spores, pet dander, and outdoor allergens caused by pollen from trees, grasses or weeds.
According to the product label, Clarinex contains desloratidine and is indicated for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 2 years of age and older and nasal and non-nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis in patients 6 months of age and older. Clarinex is available in 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets and syrup. Unlike other antihistamines, Clarinex can be taken with grapefruit juice, since the fruit does not affect absorption of the drug, and the drug does not produce drowsiness when taken at recommended doses. Common side effects include sore throat, dry mouth and fatigue.
