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.
When comparing Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin, remember that: Allegra is less likely to make you drowsy. Zyrtec and Allegra work faster than Claritin. All three work well to treat hives and symptoms of hay fever, such as itchy skin and eyes and post-nasal drip.
ZYRTEC-D® contains both an antihistamine and a decongestant for allergies. It powerfully clears your blocked nose and relieves other allergy symptoms. You can find decongestant products like ZYRTEC-D® at your local drug store behind the pharmacy counter.
Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) and loratadine (brand Claritin) are good second-generation antihistamines that are non-sedating and could be good for mild to moderate postnasal drip symptoms.
Nasal spray antihistamines are the most commonly used to address nasal congestion, as they can shrink the blood vessels and tissues in the sinuses to relieve stuffy noses and postnasal drip.
Antihistamines and decongestants can often help with postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections. They can also be effective, along with steroid nasal sprays, for postnasal drip caused by allergies.
Claritin-D® Tablets 12-Hour
This powerful tablet relieves common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy nose or throat, plus sinus congestion & pressure, and nasal congestion. Use as directed.
In addition to recommending a rinse or spray product, I typically prescribe Flonase®, azelastine, Atrovent®, or some combination. For people with posterior drip and sinus issues, these sprays can be very helpful.
There are various factors that could be to blame for this. One significant problem is that lying down in bed changes your elevation, draining mucus into the upper respiratory airway. The reaction is usually to start coughing and feel the need to frequently clear your throat.
“Claritin is a 24-hour antihistamine that works in the same way as Zyrtec, however, research has found that Claritin may be less potent than Zyrtec and therefore less effective,” explains Dr. Parikh. Although potential side effects may also be minimized as a result, she adds.
Antihistamines. Antihistamines tend to dry out the lining of the nose and thicken mucus. If sinus sufferers also have allergies, physicians will prescribe antihistamines such as Claritin, Allergra, Zyrtec or Benadryl and/or allergy shots to control the inflammation that results from allergies.
Post nasal drip caused by allergies (Allergic Rhinitis) often have accompanying symptoms like sneezing, an itchy nose, and teary/itchy eyes. It is also a seasonal condition that most commonly affects children and young adults.
Post-nasal drip may be a symptom of allergic rhinitis (hayfever), although it's quite uncommon to have post-nasal drip as the only symptom. 2 Typically, allergic rhinitis symptoms also include sneezing, nasal congestion, and a runny/itchy nose.
Postnasal drip refers to excess mucus that someone may feel in the back of the nose and throat, causing a constant need to clear the throat. It may lead to symptoms, such as a sore throat and trouble swallowing. Environmental triggers, such as allergies, cold weather, or dry air, may cause postnasal drip.
Single-ingredient oral antihistamines don't relieve nasal congestion, and some, like Zyrtec, may even cause drowsiness. FLONASE nasal sprays are non-drowsy, anti-inflammatory allergy relief nasal sprays that provide more complete relief* than a single-ingredient antihistamine.
Zyrtec and Sudafed are two common OTC medications that can help treat allergies. Zyrtec is an antihistamine, while Sudafed is a decongestant. As an antihistamine, Zyrtec can help with many allergy symptoms, while Sudafed primarily helps with nasal congestion.
Antihistamines, like Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), start working within a few hours. Nasal steroid sprays, like Flonase (fluticasone), can take up to 2 weeks to fully kick in.
Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Studies have not compared the effects of Zyrtec and Claritin for conditions such as postnasal drip, but research suggests intranasal antihistamines such as azelastine are more effective.
They then mistakenly take antihistamines, which end up drying out the nose and making thick mucus worse. "That's why it's important to make the right diagnosis," says Ellis, who also warns against self-medicating with decongestants like Sudafed, which are also drying and will further thicken your mucus.
Possible causes of excess mucus can be food allergies, an acid reflux from the stomach, or an infection. The consistency of mucus in the throat also varies depending on what is going on in your body. Common causes of too much mucus in the throat include a cold or flu, acute bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.