Symptom Finder - Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
RHINITIS, ALLERGIC
1. Avoid sympathomimetic nasal sprays.
2. Loratadine (Claritin) 10 mg daily. Other oral antihistamines may be tried:
3. Perhaps an antihistamine nasal spray like azelastine (Astelin) 2 sprays in each nostril bid may be effective.
4. If the above are not successful, prescribe fluticasone (Flonase) nasal spray, 2 sprays in each nostril daily. Other topical steroids may be tried
5. If the allergic rhinitis is seasonal, a course of oral prednisone 20– 40 mg daily for 2–3 weeks and tapering over 2–4 weeks may be worthwhile. Alternatively, methylprednisolone acetate (Depo- Medrol) 20–80 IM q2–4wks for 2–3 doses may be effective. Avoid long term use of corticosteroids.
6. In persistent cases, order blood tests for allergens or consult an allergist for skin testing or immunosuppressive therapy.
1. Avoid sympathomimetic nasal sprays.
2. Loratadine (Claritin) 10 mg daily. Other oral antihistamines may be tried:
3. Perhaps an antihistamine nasal spray like azelastine (Astelin) 2 sprays in each nostril bid may be effective.
4. If the above are not successful, prescribe fluticasone (Flonase) nasal spray, 2 sprays in each nostril daily. Other topical steroids may be tried
5. If the allergic rhinitis is seasonal, a course of oral prednisone 20– 40 mg daily for 2–3 weeks and tapering over 2–4 weeks may be worthwhile. Alternatively, methylprednisolone acetate (Depo- Medrol) 20–80 IM q2–4wks for 2–3 doses may be effective. Avoid long term use of corticosteroids.
6. In persistent cases, order blood tests for allergens or consult an allergist for skin testing or immunosuppressive therapy.
