Over the Counter Medicines for Allergies

 In recent years, a number of prescription medicines have become available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Nearly 10 years ago, Zaditor eye drops became available OTC. This was quickly followed by antihistamines such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra. Two years ago, Nasacort became the first nasal steroid spray to be available OTC. Last year, Flonase became OTC, followed this March by Rhinocort. There are now numerous OTC options to treat your worst spring allergy symptoms!

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us Over the Counter Medicines for Allergies  In recent years, a number of prescription medicines have become available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Nearly 10 years ago, Zaditor eye drops became available OTC. This was quickly followed by antihistamines such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra. Two years ago, Nasacort became the first nasal steroid spray to be available OTC. Last year, Flonase became OTC, followed this March by Rhinocort. There are now numerous OTC options to treat your worst spring allergy symptoms! Daniel More, MD Allergies Expert Over the Counter Nasacort, Flonase and Rhinocort In July 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Committee on Non-Prescription Drugs voted to allow Nasacort (triamcinolone) to be sold over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Nasacort became the first intranasal corticosteroid nasal spray to be sold OTC without being prescribed by a healthcare professional in March 2014. Flonase became available OTC in February 2015, and Rhinocort became available OTC in February of 2016. READ NOW Allergy Medicines Without a Prescription Over the past 10 years or so, numerous allergy medicines, once available only with a doctor’s prescription, are now available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Some medicines, like oral decongestants (Sudafed/pseudoephedrine) and sedating antihistamines (Benadryl/diphenhydramine), have been available without a prescription for years. Other medicines, including low sedating antihistamines (such as Allegra) and intranasal corticosteroid sprays (such as Nasacort 24 Hour Allergy), have only recently become available OTC without a prescription. READ NOW Generic Allergy Medicines As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, my patients frequently ask me about generic allergy medicines. Fortunately, there are a number of allergy medicines that have recently become available in generic form -– which typically translates into a lower cost. When a medication loses its patent, other companies are free to market the medication in a generic form. This is different than a medication being approved by the Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter (OTC) use. READ NOW Featured Articles • What Can You Do When You Are Already Grieving? • The 6 Major Minerals and Where to Find Them • 5 Healthy and Easy Ways to Prepare Bok Choy • How Regular Fasting Can Improve Your Health • 3 Healthy Foods to Throw Away if You Want to Lose Weight • 10 Untrendy Superfoods Every Kitchen Needs • Weight Loss Tips for Runners • 5 Healthy No-Cook Breakfasts Advertisement About Allergies  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Allergies newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.