Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is your nose and eyes reacting to something you’ve breathed in — pollen, mould, dust mites, or pet dander. Common symptoms are sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes. The single most effective step is reducing your exposure to whatever triggers you, but when avoidance isn’t enough or symptoms are disrupting your sleep or day, medication helps. A pharmacist can help you choose between a pill, a nasal spray, or eye drops and show you how to use them properly.
Self-care products available in our shop
- Non-drowsy oral antihistamines (e.g., Reactine, Claritin, Aerius, Allegra)
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays (e.g., Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort)
- Saline rinses and sprays to flush allergens from the nose
- Allergy eye drops for itchy, watery eyes
- Allergen-barrier bedding covers for dust-mite control
Treatments our pharmacist can prescribe
For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are prescription treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.
Antihistamines: Azelastine (nasal), Bilastine (Blexten), Cetirizine (Reactine), Cyproheptadine, Desloratadine (Aerius), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Loratadine (Claritin), Olopatadine, Rupatadine (Rupall)
Nasal corticosteroids: Beclomethasone, Budesonide (Rhinocort), Ciclesonide (Omnaris), Fluticasone (Flonase, Avamys), Mometasone (Nasonex), Triamcinolone (Nasacort)
When to seek further care: See a health-care provider if symptoms are severe or year-round, don’t respond to treatment, come with wheezing or shortness of breath, or if you’re unsure whether your symptoms are allergies or something else.