What allergy medicine will dry up sinus drainage?

Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) is an intranasal antihistamine that can reduce nasal congestion and runny nose. It may cause sleepiness. But when it's taken with intranasal steroids, it works very well for postnasal drip. Ipratropium (Atrovent) works by stopping the production of mucus.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com


What is the best allergy medicine to dry up sinus drainage?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


How do you get rid of sinus drainage from allergies?

Home Treatments
  1. Use a humidifier or vaporizer.
  2. Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water.
  3. Drink lots of fluids. ...
  4. Use a nasal saline spray. ...
  5. Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe. ...
  6. Use a micro-current wave device. ...
  7. Place a warm, wet towel on your face. ...
  8. Prop yourself up.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


How do you dry up post nasal drip?

Now what?
  1. A humidifier or steam inhalation (as during a hot shower)
  2. Keeping well-hydrated (to keep the mucus thinner)
  3. Sleep on propped up pillows, to keep the mucus from collecting at the back of your throat.
  4. Nasal irrigation (available over-the-counter)
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on health.harvard.edu


What is the best antihistamine for post nasal drip?

Second-generation antihistamines are preferred for allergic postnasal drip because first-generation antihistamines can have more side effects and actually thicken mucus instead of thinning it.
...
Oral antihistamines
  • Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com


How to Get Rid of Post-Nasal Drip



What causes constant sinus drainage?

Infections in your respiratory tract — most commonly colds — can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block your sinuses.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


Will Mucinex dry up sinus drainage?

A decongestant will shrink the mucus membranes that have swollen in your sinuses. This will help the trapped mucus drain out—meaning you'll breathe easier and feel more comfortable. Nasal sprays, such as Mucinex® Sinus-Max® Full Force® Nasal Spray, can help ease congestion and provide relief.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mucinex.com


Does Flonase help post nasal drip?

Nasal steroid sprays are effective at treating postnasal drip because they reduce the amount of mucus that causes coughing, sinus pressure, and sore throats. Flonase and Rhinocort are examples of nasal sprays that are used to treat allergic rhinitis, which is a recurring postnasal drip due to allergies.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on singlecare.com


Does Benadryl help post nasal drip?

Postnasal drip caused by allergies can be managed with OTC antihistamines and decongestants. Note that older antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton can actually thicken mucus; instead, try Claritin, Alavert, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal or Clarinex.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on centamedical.com


Does Zyrtec stop post-nasal drip?

Thin postnasal drip secretions caused by allergies may be treated with antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin may offer better relief than older-type antihistamines such as promethazine (older antihistamines tend to thicken post-nasal secretions).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugs.com


Will Benadryl dry up mucus?

Benadryl® can dry out secretions and mucous membranes. This can create problems not only in the eyes, nose and throat but throughout the rest of the body as well. Improvement in a runny nose during a cold is not due to the anti-histamine properties of the medication.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nationwidechildrens.org


Is Claritin or Allegra better for post-nasal drip?

Both Claritin and Allegra can treat postnasal drip and other symptoms related to allergic rhinitis. Compared to first-generation antihistamines, these drugs are both effective. However, intranasal medications like an antihistamine or corticosteroid nasal spray may offer better relief for this symptom.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on singlecare.com


How quickly does FLONASE work for post-nasal drip?

Most achieve relief within 12 hours of starting their FLONASE product. But remember, it's important to keep using it every day during allergy season as it takes three to four days before FLONASE products build up to full effectiveness—which means once a day allergy symptom relief.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on flonase.com


Is mucinex or Sudafed better for sinus congestion?

However, we can look at each drug's efficacy. Sudafed has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for nasal congestion. Mucinex has been shown to be safe and effective in treating chest congestion.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on singlecare.com


What is the best mucinex for post-nasal drip?

Try Maximum Strength Mucinex® D for relief. It contains pseudoephedrine HCl and guaifenesin, which may help you clear excess mucus and nasal congestion (as well as the resulting post-nasal drip).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mucinex.com


How can I stop my sinuses from draining at night?

The best sleeping position for sinus drainage issues and other sinus problems is to sleep with your head propped up. Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and lower the likelihood of excessive blood flow that can create sinus congestion.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sinusofsf.com


Why do I always have drainage in my throat?

Frequent throat clearing can sometimes signal an underlying health issue. Some possible causes include nasal allergies, acid reflux, vocal cord growths, and tic disorders. If this symptom is persistent or bothersome, seeing a doctor can help.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


What medications can cause post nasal drip?

Medications that can cause nonallergic rhinitis include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and high blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers. Nonallergic rhinitis also can be triggered in some people by sedatives, antidepressants, oral contraceptives or drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


What is better than Flonase?

Some of the most common over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays include Flonase (fluticasone propionate), Nasacort (triamcinolone), and Afrin (oxymetazoline). Experts usually recommend steroid nasal sprays as go-to options for allergies because they are highly effective in lessening nasal symptoms.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com


What foods make post-nasal drip worse?

Symptoms are typically worse after eating. Spicy foods and carbonated beverages are strong triggers of LPR. (If you have significant PND symptoms after eating spicy foods or drinking carbonated beverages, you are likely suffering from LPR.)
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on clarityallergycenter.com


What happens if post-nasal drip is left untreated?

Most cases of post-nasal drip go away with time, but long-lasting, untreated post-nasal drip and excess mucus can create a breeding ground for germs, which in turn can lead to additional health complications, including sinus infections and ear infections.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sinusofsf.com


What is the most powerful antihistamine?

Cetirizine is the most potent antihistamine available and has been subjected to more clinical study than any other.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov


Does Allegra dry you out?

Fexofenadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel quite sleepy. Common side effects include headaches, feeling sleepy, dry mouth, feeling sick and dizziness. Do not drink grapefruit juice, apple juice or orange juice while you're taking fexofenadine.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk


Is Zyrtec stronger than Allegra?

Both drugs were found to be equally effective in treating allergy symptoms, and Allegra was found to cause less drowsiness than Zyrtec. Another study showed that Zyrtec was more effective than Allegra, and that side effects were similar.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on singlecare.com


Which works better Claritin or ZYRTEC?

Zyrtec has a quicker onset of action compared to Claritin and may be more effective than Claritin in reducing allergy symptoms, according to one clinical trial. However, cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec, has been shown to produce more drowsiness than loratadine.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on singlecare.com
Previous question
Does SSD get slower when full?