Along the same lines as OTC options, antihistamine medications, such as Sudafed, Claritin, Zyrtec or Benadryl, can also offer sinus infection symptom relief. While these medications specifically target allergy symptoms, sinus infection symptoms can be similar, making antihistamines worth a try.
Zyrtec-D® is a combination of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. This medication is both an antihistamine and a decongestant. It treats or prevents symptoms of allergies. It reduces congestion, sneezing, runny nose and itching in your nose or throat.
If your allergies cause your sinus headaches, over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Rytan can relieve pressure and congestion.
Zyrtec-D Allergy Relief and Nasal Decongestant Tablets contain 5 mg cetirizine HCl and 120 mg pseudoephedrine for 12 hours of relief from nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and allergy symptoms caused by pollen, dust, pet dander, mold, and other airborne allergens.
Antihistamines may cause dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat.
For example, taking antihistamines, such as Zyrtec or Benadryl, for sinus problems thinking their symptoms are from allergies, but later realize they feel worse. These medications cause drying of the nose and thick mucus build-up leading to more sinus congestion.
ZYRTEC-D® contains a nasal decongestant that narrows the blood vessels in the nose and sinus region, which shrinks the tissue in that area to allow air and mucus to flow normally.
Other treatments for sinusitis
Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are three second-generation antihistamines that alleviate allergy symptoms that can lead to sinusitis. Some of them can be used daily.
Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
Some medications for treating allergies, like Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Allegra (fexofenadine) last 24 hours and don't need to be taken at night. But if you're combating allergy symptoms with a different antihistamine first thing in the morning, keep in mind that its effects will only last six to eight hours.
While most anticholinergics can be modified or monitored when taken with loratadine or cetirizine, several should be avoided entirely, including aclidinium, cimetropium, glycopyrrolate, glycopyrronium, ipratropium, oxatomide, tiotropium, and umeclidinium.
Some natural ways to get your sinuses draining and relieve sinus pressure include drinking plenty of fluids; using a humidifier; avoiding cold, dry air; taking plenty of steamy showers; and drinking a cup of hot tea or soup.
Amoxycillin is still considered first-line treatment. The adult dose is amoxycillin 500 mg three times a day for a period of between 10 and 14 days. Patients allergic to penicillin should be treated with either trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or cefaclor.
What Does ZYRTEC® Do? ZYRTEC® relieves your worst indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms. Common indoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander and mold. Outdoor allergens, depending on the season and your location, include grass pollen, tree pollen and mold.
However it's best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there's a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly. If you've been taking cetirizine every day for a long time, talk to your doctor before stopping it.
Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening.