Home Symptoms Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis — what to take?

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by an allergic reaction — sneezing, nasal itching, watery rhinorrhea, congestion. It affects 15-25% of the population.

Also known as: hay fever pollen allergy seasonal rhinitis
6 recommended OTC medicines
8,928 pharmacies available

In short: Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, occurs when the nasal lining overreacts to allergens such as pollen, causing bouts of sneezing, nasal itching, watery discharge and a blocked nose. Over-the-counter options include oral antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine), nasal corticosteroid sprays (mometasone, fluticasone) or azelastine sprays, and saline (sea water) solutions. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the price of these OTC options across major pharmacies — Dr. Max, Tei, Catena and HelpNet — with prices updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace medical advice; see a doctor if you experience shortness of breath or wheezing, possibly a sign of asthma.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — no prescription

What can you take for allergic rhinitis?

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to see a doctor

If any of these signs appear, see a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:

  • Associated dyspnea or wheezing (suspected asthma)
  • Persistent sinusitis
  • Recurrent epistaxis
  • Resistance to OTC treatment
  • Significant impairment of sleep/activity

Types

Seasonal — spring (birch, beech pollen), summer (grasses), autumn (ragweed). Perennial — dust, dust mites, molds, pets.

OTC treatment

2nd-generation antihistamines — cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, bilastine. 1 tablet daily, starting 2 weeks before the season.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays — mometasone (Nasonex), fluticasone (Flixonase), budesonide (Rhinocort). The most effective for nasal congestion. Maximum effect after 1-2 weeks.

Topical nasal antihistamines — azelastine (Allergodil) — rapid effect.

Cromoglicate spray — preventive effect, given 3-4 times a day.

Hypertonic sea water — daily nasal rinses reduce the allergen load.

Anti-allergic eye drops — olopatadine, ketotifen, cromoglicate for conjunctivitis.

Specific immunotherapy (Rx)

Desensitizing vaccine, sublingual or injectable, 3-5 years of treatment. The only one that modifies the course of the disease — it lowers the long-term immune response to the allergen.

Allergen avoidance measures

  • Pollen app — avoid outdoor activities when levels peak.
  • Windows closed, AC with HEPA filter.
  • Shower in the evening, change clothes after coming in from outside.
  • Anti-dust-mite bedding, frequent cleaning.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a health professional.

Medicines compared

Medicines used for allergic rhinitis

This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Night-time, weekends, public holidays

24/7 pharmacies for allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis doesn't keep office hours. If you need a medicine at 2 a.m. or at the weekend, open the map with the 24/7 filter switched on and look for the nearest on-duty pharmacy. Large cities have dozens of pharmacies open around the clock — below you have direct access to the list for each city, with address, phone number and verified opening hours.

Call before you set off, especially at night — on-duty rotas change and stock of some prescription medicines can be limited between deliveries.

Search the pharmacy

Medicine categories for allergic rhinitis

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for allergic rhinitis

Open the interactive map and allow location access — you will immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it is night or the weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-duty ones. For allergic rhinitis many medicines are available over the counter, so you can go straight to the pharmacy without a prescription, but check availability on the price comparator first to avoid wasted trips.

If you have a preferred active substance (for example paracetamol or ibuprofen), search for it in the comparator before you leave — you will see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it is in stock. If you have a repeat prescription, save your preferred pharmacy as a favourite in the app and turn on opening-hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially if treatment for allergic rhinitis goes on for a while.

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Allergy

An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to substances that are normally harmless (pollen, dust, food, medications). It presents with itching, hives, rhinitis, asthma, anaphylaxis.

 Symptom

Itching

Itching (pruritus) is one of the most common dermatological problems. Causes: dry skin, allergies, dermatitis, systemic diseases (thyroid, liver, kidney).

 Symptom

Cough

Coughing is a reflex that clears the airways, not a disease in itself. It is divided into dry cough (non-productive) and wet cough (productive, with expectoration). Treatment differs radically between the two.

 Condition

Bronchial asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, with variable airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperreactivity. Symptoms: shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, sensation of chest tightness.

Frequently asked questions

What else would you like to know?

Which is better — a cortisone spray or an antihistamine?
The corticosteroid spray is more effective for congestion. The oral antihistamine is better for itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea. They are often combined.
How long can I use Nasonex?
Seasonal — for the entire duration of the season (2-3 months). Perennial — months to years. Safe long-term at standard doses.
When do I start treatment for spring allergy?
Ideally — 2 weeks before the season (for birch pollen, around March). Daily antihistamine + nasal spray.
Does the anti-allergy vaccine really work?
Yes — immunotherapy reduces symptoms by 50-70% and can induce lasting tolerance. It requires 3-5 years of continuous treatment.

See also

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