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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 drugs
8,327 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 you can 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, consult 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.

Search the pharmacy

Medicines for allergic rhinitis

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for allergic rhinitis

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For allergic rhinitis most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.

If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for allergic rhinitis runs over weeks.

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Alergie

Alergia e un răspuns imun exagerat la substanțe în mod normal inofensive (polen, praf, alimente, medicamente). Se manifestă cu mâncărime, urticarie, rinită, astm, anafilaxie.

 Symptom

Mâncărime

Mâncărimea (pruritul) e una dintre cele mai frecvente probleme dermatologice. Cauze: piele uscată, alergii, dermatită, boli sistemice (tiroidă, ficat, rinichi).

 Symptom

Tuse

Tusea e un reflex de curățare a căilor respiratorii, nu o boală în sine. Se împarte în tuse seacă (neproductivă) și tuse umedă (productivă, cu expectorație). Tratamentul diferă radical între cele două.

 Condition

Astm bronșic

Astmul e o boală inflamatorie cronică a căilor respiratorii, cu obstrucție variabilă și hiperreactivitate bronșică. Simptome: dispnee, wheezing, tuse, senzație de constricție toracică.

Frequently asked

What else do you want 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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