Pharmacotherapy of Allergic Rhinitis

The primary goal of allergic rhinitis (AR) treatment is to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life and prevent comorbidities. In addition to allergen avoidance there are several pharmacologic agents available: oral and topical H 1 -antihistamines, intranasal glucocorticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, mast cell stabilizers, anticholinergic agents and decongestants. Medications used for AR are typically administered orally or intranasally. The intranasal route allows for higher concentrations of the drug to be delivered thus minimizing the systemic side effects. However, many patients with AR have an aversion to using nasal spray, and oral medications are typically used in these patients.