Medicines for a runny nose like saline solutions, antihistamines or nasal decongestants may be prescribed by your doctor to relieve nasal congestion, sneezing or a constantly dripping nose.

A runny nose can be a symptom of allergic rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to contact with allergy triggers like pollen, dust or mold. However, it can also be a symptom of nasal polyps or viral or bacteria infections like a flu, cold or bacterial sinusitis. Read more about what causes a runny nose and other symptoms it can present with.

Medicine for a runny nose should be used as prescribed by a general practitioner, otolaryngologist or allergy specialist, who can indicate the best medicine on a case-by-case basis. The medication used can vary depending on the patient's age, the underlying cause of the runny nose and the severity of symptoms.

Medicine to stop a runny nose

The best medicines for a runny nose include:

1. Saline solutions

Saline solutions contain 0.9% sodium chloride in their composition, which is a type of salt diluted in sterile water. It can help to cleanse the nasal passages, helping to eliminate irritating substances and allergens from the nasal mucosa. It can also help to thin nasal secretions and relieve the sensation of a runny or blocked nose.

Saline solutions can be used in the form of nasal drops or spray, by adults or children, and can be purchased over-the-counter in pharmacies.

Another way to use saline solutions to relieve a stuffy or runny is to irrigate your nose with 0.9% saline solution and a syringe. It is a painless way to cleanse the nasal mucosa to eliminate secretions. Check-out our step-by-step guide for nasal irrigation so you can perform one at home.

2. Decongestant balms

Decongestant balms, like Vicks Vaporub, can be used to relieve a runny nose and nasal congestion. These balms contains levomenthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil, which can improve the sensation of a blocked or runny nose.

Decongestant balms can be used as an ointment or inhaler. Although they can be purchased without a prescription, they should be as approved by a doctor, as they can be contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women or people with respiratory problems, such as asthma.

Because Vicks Vaporub contains camphor in its composition, it should not be used by children under 2 years of age.

3. Nasal decongestants

Nasal decongestants, like oxymetazoline and phenylephrine, can be found in the form of spray or drops. They are used locally, in the nose, as they help to reduce the swelling in the nasal mucosa, which can relieve a runny nose, nasal congestion, redness and excess mucus.

These medications have a rapid decongestant effect, however, they should not be used for more than 2 to 3 days, as constant or excessive use can cause rebound nasal congestion. This is when the nasal mucosa increases the production of mucus when it realizes that secretions have dried up, which can lead to worsening symptoms.

Decongestants can also be found in tablet form, such as pseudoephedrine. These work by promoting vasoconstriction, which leads to reduced blood flow to the nasal mucous. This reduces the entry of fluids into the nose, throat and sinuses, and reduces inflammation of the nasal membranes and mucus production.

Decongestants should only be used as approved by a doctor, as they are contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and for people with high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart or thyroid disease, diabetes or an enlarged prostate in men. Furthermore, they are also not recommended for people undergoing treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Although there are pediatric formulas for children, nasal decongestants for children should only be used as prescribed by a pediatrician.

4. Antihistamines

Antihistamines like dexchlorpheniramine, loratadine or fexofenadine can relieve a runny nose, itchy nose, watery eyes, or constant sneezing caused by allergic rhinitis. They act by blocking the action of histamine, which is a substance produced by the body in response to an allergy.

These medications can be used in the form of tablets, syrups, oral solution or drops. They are also found in the form of nasal spray, like azelastine and dimethindene maleate, which can be sprayed into the nasal mucosa, 2 to 3 times a day.

Antihistamines should only be used as prescribed, and should not be used by children, pregnant women or breastfeeding women, unless approved by a doctor.

5. Nasal corticosteroids

Corticosteroids in the form of nasal spray, such as beclomethasone, fluticasone, mometasone or budesonide. They reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal mucosa to relieve the symptoms like a runny nose. These can be especially effective to treat allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis or perennial or seasonal rhinitis.

These medications quickly relieve the symptoms of rhinitis and have few side effects when compared to oral corticosteroids. They are also considered to be more effective than antihistamines.

Corticosteroids should only be used as prescribed, with established doses and treatment durations indicated by a doctor on a case-by-case basis.

6. Antileukotrienes

Antileukotrienes, such as montelukast, may be prescribed by the doctor to relieve a runny nose caused by allergic rhinitis. They act by reducing inflammation in the nasal mucosa.

Montelukast should not be taken when pregnant or breastfeeding, unless prescribed by the doctor.

7. Antibiotics

Antibiotics like amoxicillin or azithromycin can be prescribed by the doctor if the runny nose is related to a bacterial infection. They are often prescribed for the treatment of bacterial sinusitis for example.

By treating the underlying infection and eliminating bacteria, antibiotics can help to relieve a runny nose and other symptoms like heaviness or pressure in the face, headaches, pain around the eyes, and a stuffy nose. They can be prescribed in combination with other medicines, such as corticosteroids.

Runny nose in children

To treat a runny nose in children, medicine can be prescribed by a pediatrician. Dosing and the type of medication prescribed will depend on the child's age, the severity of the symptoms and the cause of the runny nose.

Generally, to treat a runny nose, the pediatrician will advise increasing fluid intake and nasal irrigation with 0.9% saline solution. This can help to treat constant dripping and will thin any mucus, making it easier to eliminate.

Dpending on the cause of the child's runny nose, the pediatrician may prescribe antihistamines in syrup form and decongestant drops,. The dosing for this medication and treatment duration should be indicated by the doctor.

Home remedies for a runny nose

A great way to complement medical treatment for a runny nose is to inhale eucalyptus essential oil, as it helps to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. It also helps to thin mucus to promote its elimination, which can relieve the discomfort of a runny nose. Read more about the health benefits of eucalyptus and how it can be used.

Another home remedy for a runny nose is to drink juice or eat foods that are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin has an antioxidant effect that helps to strengthen the body's natural defenses and fight flu or colds. Check-out a complete list of vitamin C foods to incorporate into your diet.

If the runny nose is caused by allergic rhinitis, it is also important to clean your home environment as much as possible. Also be sure cleanse the nostrils and avoid contact with allergens as much as possible.

It is important to emphasize that the use of these home remedies should not replace the medications or treatment prescribed by the doctor. They should be used to complement your treatment plan to help relieve symptoms more quickly.