Nasacort is a prescription nasal spray treatment for hay fever and perennial allergic rhinitis. Its active ingredient is an adrenocortical steroid called triamcinolone. It works by blocking the release of chemicals that cause inflammation in the body. Nasacort is not suitable for children under 2 years old and people allergic to triamcinolone. It may also be contraindicated in patients with asthma, glaucoma, tuberculosis and those who have recently undergone nasal surgery. Drugs.com notes that Nasacort can also make a person more vulnerable to infection. These problems may be resolved by using an alternative medication.
Fluticasone Furoate
Fluticasone furoate, brand name Veramyst, is a nasal spray that treats seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2007, and is available by prescription for adults and children over 2 years old. Fluticasone furoate is a corticosteroid that blocks the production of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, and a runny and itchy nose. Clinical trials found that fluticasone furoate was more effective than a placebo in relieving nasal and eye allergy symptoms.
Cetirizine
Cetirizine, brand name Zyrtec, is an over-the-counter second-generation oral antihistamine indicated for hay fever as well as cold and allergy symptoms. Second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness and concentration problems often associated with older antihistamines; however, Drugs.com notes that cetirizine can impair thinking and reaction times. Cetirizine should not be used by patients taking drugs that cause sleepiness, such as sleeping pills, sedatives and muscle relaxants. Other common side effects include dry mouth, sore throat, nausea and dizziness.
Loratadine
Loratadine, brand name Claritin, is a nonsedating second-generation antihistamine. Loratadine is an over-the-counter drug that works by blocking histamine receptors in the body. Research published in 1990 in the medical journal "Allergy" found that loratadine was an efficacious hay fever treatment with a sedation rate similar to a placebo. Lead author K. Irander notes that loratadine significantly reduced the overall allergic condition in hay fever patients sensitive to birch pollen. Patients with kidney or liver disease should not take loratadine. RxList notes that loratadine should not be given to children under 6 years old without consulting a doctor first.
References
- Drugs.com: Nasacort AQ
- Medical News Today: FDA Approves Once-daily Veramyst™ (Fluticasone Furoate) Nasal Spray For Treatment Of Seasonal And Year-round Allergy Symptoms
- Family Doctor: Antihistamines: Understanding Your OTC Options
- Drugs.com: Zyrtec
- "Allergy"; Treatment of Hay Fever with Loratadine - a New Non-Sedating Antihistamine; K. Irander, et al.; February 1990
