Household goods Recommendation Service

Top
Household goods
10 Best Nasal Sprays for Allergies in 2022 (Nasacort, Flonase, and More)

10 Best Nasal Sprays for Allergies in 2022 (Nasacort, Flonase, and More)

Looking for a way to get rid of those annoying and embarrassing allergy symptoms? From runny noses to sneezing and congestion, seasonal allergies can take their toll. Prescription and over-the-counter nasal sprays can provide relief within seconds or with continued use. While you'll want to check with your doctor before starting any nasal spray, our best 10 list will give you some idea of where to start.

One of our picks, Nasacort's Allergy 24Hr Nasal Spray, can help prevent the inflammation that causes your symptoms. If you're still unsure of which type of nasal spray will work for your situation, our buying guide will provide you with a foundation of how to approach the conversation with your medical provider. Keep reading for more information!

Last updated: 09-06-2022

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Nasal Spray for Allergies - Buying Guide

Nasal sprays for allergies have different ingredients and work in various ways to alleviate symptoms. Before choosing a spray, you should consult with a doctor or allergy specialist. Also, some ingredients can produce side effects and may interact with other medications.

Consult With an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist or Allergist

If you've been experiencing allergy symptoms, you should find out which substances are triggering your immune system. It's also possible to have an auto-immune condition or chronic sinusitis that isn't triggered by allergies. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important since it will determine which medicines will work best.

Your medical provider may recommend a combination of nasal sprays, oral or systemic pills like Singulair, and saline rinses. This is more likely to be the case if you're diagnosed with chronic or non-seasonal conditions.

Follow medication directions and dosage for the desired effects. Overusing a nasal spray might lead to symptoms such as drowsiness and dizziness. Remember to consult your doctor about any potential side effects or interactions between medications and over-the-counter supplements, including ones you may be taking for unrelated conditions.

Decide Between Steroids, Antihistamines, or a Combination

Depending on your symptoms and condition, your doctor may prescribe or recommend certain nasal sprays such as antihistamines and steroids. Your doctor's recommendation may depend on whether your symptoms are seasonal or chronic. Continue reading to know what steroids and antihistamines are used for.

Steroids for Long-Term Relief

Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, work by reducing inflammation in your nasal passages and are best for alleviating congestion. Due to their strong anti-inflammatory properties, steroids are also used to treat conditions like asthma or arthritis. Some common steroid medications include Prednisone and Dexamethasone.

However, since steroids are preventative, they can take longer to work and require long-term, consistent use. Steroids might also lead to side effects such as puffy face, facial hair growth, or menstrual irregularity.

Antihistamines Work Quickly but Require a Prescription

Antihistamines work by blocking your body's production of histamine, which can produce symptoms like sneezing or runny and itchy nose. Although antihistamines are not as preventive as steroids, they work quicker.

But do keep in mind that antihistamines might cause side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, or dry mouth. Some of the most common over-the-counter antihistamines include Zyrtec and Claritin. However, they come in the pill or tablet forms. Currently, there aren't any over-the-counter spray options.

Your doctor may prescribe a nasal spray that combines steroids and antihistamines if you have multiple, consistent, long-term symptoms related to chronic sinusitis. This type of spray isn't available over the counter. Alternatively, you may get a prescription for an antihistamine and be advised to take an over-the-counter steroid spray.

Other Options Dry Mucus or Reduce Inflammation

Besides steroids and antihistamines, oxymetazoline hydrochloride such as Afrin and Sinex can also help reduce nasal discomfort triggered by allergies. It's a decongestant that shrinks swollen blood vessels in your nose to reduce congestion.

Cromolyn sodium, or NasalCrom, is a great option for those suffering from a stuffy or runny nose and post-nasal drip. Similar to antihistamines, it works by blocking the production of histamine. It's also pretty safe and doesn't trigger reactions like drowsiness.

There are also anticholinergic sprays that dry up excess mucus and nasal secretions. These sprays tend to work immediately to relieve symptoms and are not preventive. The prescription drug Atrovent is an anticholinergic spray.

Natural Sprays and Saline Rinses May Help Address Your Symptoms

Natural nasal sprays are usually made with a combination of ingredients such as galphimia glauca, luffa operculata, sabadilla, allium cepa, and so on. Each ingredient is only effective against certain symptoms, so the formula has to combine many ingredients to provide different treatments.

Specifically, galphimia glauca can help relieve sneezing and runny nose, while luffa operculata is effective for allergic rhinitis. Sabadilla works for runny noses and itchy watery eyes, and allium cepa can help treat sneezing and allergic rhinitis.

Periodic or daily non-medicated saline rinses help clean allergens out of your nose, moisturize your dry nasal passages, reduce inflammation, and make nasal sprays more effective. They don't cause any side effects and can be used for young children as well!

Consider the Length of Use

Depending on how long your doctor wants you to use nasal sprays as part of your treatment plan, you may need to use ones with different ingredients. While all nasal sprays come with side effects, some are more adverse when used long-term.

Decongestant Nasal Sprays Are Best for Short-Term Use

Decongestant nasal sprays temporarily relieve a stuffy nose that can cause breathing difficulties. Congestion can result from inflammation and the overproduction of mucus. However, these types of sprays should only be used for a maximum of three days.

Using decongestant nasal sprays for longer than three days, especially without a doctor's recommendation, can result in rebound congestion. This condition develops as a result of dependency on the medication in the nasal spray.

Rebound congestion can restrict your nasal passages even more. You will likely experience worse congestion than what you had before you used the spray.

Long-Term Use of Steroid Nasal Sprays Can Produce Side Effects

Although steroid nasal sprays are best for long-term and preventative use, they are more likely to produce side effects when used for chronic conditions. Some of these side effects can be serious and may require medical intervention.

The most common long-term use symptom is nosebleeds. Many of these are minor, but some people experience moderate to severe nosebleeds. When used with antihistamines or oral medicines like Singulair, steroid nasal sprays can lead to weight gain and water retention.

Other side effects of nasal steroid use, like cataracts and a weakened immune system, are not as common or severe as they are with other types of steroids. However, these side effects can still occur. Be sure to discuss any underlying conditions and potential side effects with your doctor.

Antihistamine and Anticholinergic Sprays Also Carry Risks

Some of the more common side effects from antihistamine and other types of sprays include headaches, a bitter taste, fatigue, a burning sensation in the nasal passages, muscle pain, dizziness, sneezing, and dry nasal passages.

Specifically, anticholinergic sprays might trigger headache, diarrhea, or nosebleeds, while oxymetazoline might trigger burning, stinging, or dryness inside your nose. It is also possible to develop more severe side effects, such as intrusive, vivid dreams and heartbeat problems. Consult a doctor immediately if these symptoms emerge.

You may develop an increased tolerance for the medicine in the nasal spray. Your medical provider may need to change your treatment plan or the amount of your dose.

Evaluate Your Age and Other Medical Conditions

Some nasal sprays like Flonase, Nasacort, and Rhinocort also come in children's versions. There are different minimum age recommendations, such as two, four, and six years old. Medical advice is highly recommended before giving nasal sprays to children.

It's also important to keep in mind that non-allergic chronic sinusitis produces many of the same symptoms as allergies. It is best to get tested for allergies before taking over-the-counter medicines. Some autoimmune conditions can also lead to non-allergic chronic sinusitis.

If you're pregnant or considering getting pregnant, some nasal sprays are safe to use. However, some have not been tested for use during pregnancy. It's best to consult with your doctor for advice and safety. Some common nasal sprays that are generally safe for pregnant women include Afrin, Budesonide, Nasonex, and Flonase.

Talk With Your Provider About Refill Intervals and Your Insurance

Some over-the-counter nasal sprays like Afrin, NasalCrom, or Flonase can be purchased on a subscription interval with retailers like Amazon. You will automatically receive the spray according to a pre-defined schedule. Also, nasal sprays like Nasacort or Flonase have both prescription and over-the counter varieties.

Check with your insurance provider or prescription plan to see if you can have your prescription nasal spray delivered to your home. Some plans allow you to have enough medication for 90 days shipped to you.

Keep in mind that not all plans cover combination nasal sprays with antihistamines and steroids. If your medical provider recommends a combination spray, ask the doctor to check your insurance coverage first.

10 Best Nasal Sprays for Allergies

When choosing a nasal spray for allergies, it's critical not to self-diagnose your condition. It's best to make an appointment with your primary care physician or ear, nose, and throat specialist first. Your doctor can determine how a nasal spray fits into an overall treatment plan based on your symptoms and different tests.

Image	Xlear	Nasacort	Rite Aid	NasalCrom	Mucinex	Vicks	Afrin	Flonase	Similasan	MediaNatura
Name	Natural Saline Nasal Spray	Allergy 24Hr Nasal Spray	Budesonide Nasal Spray	Nasal Allergy Symptom Controller	Sinus-Max Clear and Cool	Sinex Saline Nasal Mist	Original Maximum Strength	Children's Sensimist Allergy Relief	Nasal Allergy Relief	ClearLife Allergy Nasal Spray
Features	Best Saline Rinse With Xylitol to Clean Your Nasal Passages	Best Short-Term Allergy Relief	Best Prescription-Strength Nasal Spray	Best Non-Habit Forming Nasal Spray That Doesn't Cause Drowsiness	Best Decongestant With Menthol for a Cooling Sensation	Best Ultra-Fine Mist Saline Solution to Moisturize Your Nostrils	Best for Offering 12-Hour Congestion Relief	Best Nasal Spray for Kids That Doesn't Drip Down the Throat	Best Natural Homeopathic Formula	Best Natural Relief for Nose, Eyes, Throat and Headaches
Price	$12.49	$15.26	$20.99	$15.99	$8.97	$8.44	$6.96	$14.99	$6.48	$12.99
Type	Nasal rinse	Steroid	Steroid	Anti-inflammatory	Decongestant	Nasal rinse	Decongestant	Steroid	Homeopathic	Homeopathic
Ingredients	Saline, xylitol	Triamcinolone acetonide 55 mcg (glucocorticoid)	Budesonide 32 mcg (glucocorticoid)	Cromolyn sodium	Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%	Saline	Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%	Fluticasone furoate 27.5 mcg (glucocorticoid)	Cardiospermum, galphimia glauca, luffa operculata, sabadilla, saline	Allium cepha, ambrosia artemesiaefolia, euphrasia, galphimia glauca, luffa, histaminum, sabadilla, sulphur
Dose	As often as needed	Once a day	Once a day	Up to 6 times a day	Twice a day	As often as needed	Twice a day	Once a day	As needed	Every 2-4 hours
Best for	Rinsing allergens from nasal passages, easing congestion, soothing dry, itchy nose	Relieving nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or itchy nose	Treating nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing	Preventing and relieving nasal congestion, reducing sneezing and runny or itchy nose	Reducing nasal congestion due to allergies, clearing nasal passages, shrinking swollen blood vessels	Clearing congestion, rinsing out allergens	Temporarily relieving sinus congestion and pressure, shrinking swollen nasal membranes	Temporarily relieving nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose	Relieving runny nose, itching or burning nose, sneezing, swollen blood vessels, post-nasal drip	Relieving minor allergy symptoms such as itchy or runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion
Minimum age recommendation	Any age	Children 6-12 should take under adult supervision	6 years	2 years	Children 6-12 should take under adult supervision	2 years	Children 6-12 should take under adult supervision	2-11 years	2 years	4 years
Link	View Amazon View Walgreen's	View Amazon View Walmart	View Amazon	View Amazon View Walmart	View Amazon View Walgreen's	View Amazon View Walmart	View Amazon View Walmart	View Amazon View Target	View Amazon View Walmart	View Amazon View iHerb

NasacortAllergy 24Hr Nasal Spray

$15.26

Best Short-Term Allergy Relief

Pros:

Made with 55 micrograms of triamcinolone acetonide, a type of steroid that can reduce inflammation and calm the immune system
Alleviates irritating nasal allergy symptoms for 24 hours
Non-habit forming and doesn't make you feel drowsy

Cons:

It's said to dry out the nose

Nasacort is a steroid nasal spray that is intended for short-term use. It works by preventing inflammation in your nasal passages. The spray can relieve symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing. Another plus point about this nasal spray is that it isn't addictive and won't cause drowsiness.

A few reviewers on Amazon received opened bottles, so check yours carefully. However, most reviewers found relief from seasonal allergies and were able to sleep better through the night without congestion. Others said this spray worked well in combination with systemic allergy medicine.

Type	Steroid
Ingredients	Triamcinolone acetonide 55 mcg (glucocorticoid)
Dose	Once a day
Best for	Relieving nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or itchy nose
Minimum age recommendation	Children 6-12 should take under adult supervision

Rite Aid Budesonide Nasal Spray

$20.99

View product on Amazon

Best Prescription-Strength Nasal Spray

Pros:

Made with 32 micrograms of budesonide to reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or nasal congestion
Strong enough to offer relief for up to 24 hours
Formula is non-drowsy

Cons:

Some buyers find it hard to use the spray

Rite Aid's steroid nasal spray uses budesonide to reduce and prevent inflammation to alleviate allergy symptoms. This nasal spray is similar to the discontinued medication Rhinocort, and usually requires only one dose each day. What's more, it doesn't cause drowsiness.

Some reviewers said the pump didn't work well. On another note, many reviewers experienced more relief after using this spray. They also confirmed that it helped with common symptoms, like runny noses and sneezing.

Type	Steroid
Ingredients	Budesonide 32 mcg (glucocorticoid)
Dose	Once a day
Best for	Treating nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing
Minimum age recommendation	6 years

NasalCromNasal Allergy Symptom Controller

$15.99

Best Non-Habit Forming Nasal Spray That Doesn't Cause Drowsiness

Pros:

Uses 5.2 milligrams of cromolyn sodium to relieve and prevent nasal blockages
Doesn't cause side effects like drowsiness or jitters
Suitable for adults and children 2 years and older

Cons:

Doesn't reduce nasal stuffiness immediately but requires consistent use
It's said this nasal spray is not as strong as steroids

NasalCrom is a cromolyn sodium spray that relieves various allergy symptoms. The spray work by stabilizing the cells that release the histamines that produce a runny nose, itchiness, congestion, and sneezing. While this spray is non-habit forming, it is best to start using it at least a week before allergy season.

Some reviewers who had previously used steroids and systemic allergy pills did not see much relief from this spray. However, many reviewers experienced relief from their seasonal allergy symptoms if they used the spray four times a day. They noted that the spray did work with consistent use.

Type	Anti-inflammatory
Ingredients	Cromolyn sodium
Dose	Up to 6 times a day
Best for	Preventing and relieving nasal congestion, reducing sneezing and runny or itchy nose
Minimum age recommendation	2 years

XlearNatural Saline Nasal Spray

$12.49

Best Saline Rinse With Xylitol to Clean Your Nasal Passages

Pros:

Formulated with simple, drug-free ingredients such as saline, xylitol, and grapefruit seed extract
Effectively moisturizes the nostrils and reduces congestion
Alleviates and cleanses nasal passages of pollutants and bacteria
Suitable even for children

Cons:

According to a few reviewers, the grapefruit taste is not pleasant

This nasal spray is free from drugs and contains saline to help moisturize your nostrils and reduce inflammation of mucous membranes. The formula also includes xylitol, which is highly effective in preventing bacteria and allergens from adhering to your nasal passages.

A couple of reviewers complained that the spray left an unpleasant sweet taste in their mouth. Nonetheless, the majority found it effective in clearing out mucus and reducing congestion. They further mentioned that it helped moisturize their nostrils to prevent dryness, too.

Type	Nasal rinse
Ingredients	Saline, xylitol
Dose	As often as needed
Best for	Rinsing allergens from nasal passages, easing congestion, soothing dry, itchy nose
Minimum age recommendation	Any age

MucinexSinus-Max Clear and Cool

$8.97

Best Decongestant With Menthol for a Cooling Sensation

Pros:

Active ingredient is oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which is highly effective in treating sinus congestion
Formulated with menthol for cooling sensation
It's said to provide instant relief for buyers

Cons:

Not a long-term treatment
According to buyers, the safety cap is really hard to remove
Can leave a bad aftertaste

This nasal spray is formulated with 0.05 percent oxymetazoline hydrochloride, and gives fast and temporary relief from nasal congestion. Plus, it contains menthol, which can bring you a cooling sensation while soothing inflamed nasal tissues. One dose can work for up to 12 hours, but this spray is not meant to be used for long-term allergy symptoms.

Some reviewers warned that this nasal spray might cause a rebound effect if used too much or for too long. Overall, however, most reviewers liked how the spray worked quickly and relieved their congestion so they could breathe at night. Many of them saw relief within a few minutes.

Type	Decongestant
Ingredients	Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%
Dose	Twice a day
Best for	Reducing nasal congestion due to allergies, clearing nasal passages, shrinking swollen blood vessels
Minimum age recommendation	Children 6-12 should take under adult supervision

SimilasanNasal Allergy Relief

$6.48

Best Natural Homeopathic Formula

Pros:

Made with four medicinal plants such as galphimia glauca and sabadilla
Effective in treating itchy nose and sneezing, as well as preventing pos-nasal drip
Suitable for adults and children age two and over

Cons:

Some buyers said the bottles can be hard to dispense

This nasal spray contains four different herbal remedies, including cardiospermum, galphimia glauca, luffa operculata, and sabadilla. It can temporarily alleviate sneezing, runny noses, burning and itching of the nose, and watery eyes.

Some reviewers noted that the spray sometimes didn't come out of the bottle well. On the other hand, most reviewers noted that the formula did a good job of moisturizing their nasal passages and providing immediate relief from seasonal allergy symptoms, like sneezing.

Type	Homeopathic
Ingredients	Cardiospermum, galphimia glauca, luffa operculata, sabadilla, saline
Dose	As needed
Best for	Relieving runny nose, itching or burning nose, sneezing, swollen blood vessels, post-nasal drip
Minimum age recommendation	2 years

AfrinOriginal Maximum Strength

$6.96

Best for Offering 12-Hour Congestion Relief

Pros:

Contains 0.05 percent oxymetazoline hydrochloride to help reduce congestion caused by allergies
Many buyers say it relieves their congestion immediately
One dose lasts for about 12 hours

Cons:

There are some reports saying that the cap is hard to take off

Afrin is a nasal spray that contains oxymetazoline, which is a decongestant. It acts quickly to relieve nasal stuffiness for up to 12 hours. This spray has a strong formula that can also relieve pressure in the sinuses due to congestion. Keep in mind that it shouldn't be used for more than three days consecutively, however, as there's a risk of rebound effects.

Some reviewers had trouble getting the cap off and using the pump. However, many reviewers experienced instant congestion relief. They also liked that this spray did not drip into the back of their throats.

Type	Decongestant
Ingredients	Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%
Dose	Twice a day
Best for	Temporarily relieving sinus congestion and pressure, shrinking swollen nasal membranes
Minimum age recommendation	Children 6-12 should take under adult supervision

FlonaseChildren's Sensimist Allergy Relief

$14.99

Best Nasal Spray for Kids That Doesn't Drip Down the Throat

Pros:

Contains 27.5 micrograms of fluticasone furoate, a type of steroid
Diffuses a gentle mist that doesn't hurt kids or those with a sensitive nose
Free from any fragrances
Won't drip down your nose or throat

Cons:

It's mentioned that the spray takes a while to be effective

This is a nasal spray that contains fluticasone furoate, a steroid that can provide relief from sneezing, congestion due to inflammation, and hay fever-like symptoms. Designed specifically for children age two or above, this spray diffuses a gentle mist that can effectively clear nasal passages without hurting your little one.

A few reviewers noted that the effect was slow. Overall, though, the majority liked that this spray delivered a gentle mist and didn't make their kid feel uncomfortable. They also confirmed that it's effective in reducing sneezing and reducing nasal congestion. Many buyers were also pleased that it's scent-free and didn't drip down the throat.

Type	Steroid
Ingredients	Fluticasone furoate 27.5 mcg (glucocorticoid)
Dose	Once a day
Best for	Temporarily relieving nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose
Minimum age recommendation	2-11 years

VicksSinex Saline Nasal Mist

$8.44

Best Ultra-Fine Mist Saline Solution to Moisturize Your Nostrils

Pros:

Formulated with saline to moisturize your nostrils and reduce mucus
Super-fine mist blasts out allergens like pollen, dander and dust
Not addictive
Can be used with other prescriptions or over-the-counter medications

Cons:

Doesn't smell like Vicks, which many reviewers were disappointed about

This nasal spray is drug-free and has saline that helps moisturize and clear your nose. Saline can work by removing traces of allergens from nasal passages. Plus, it's non-habit forming. This product can be used as often as needed. You can also use this nasal spray with other prescriptions or over-the-counter medications as well.

Some reviewers were expecting the well-known Vicks VapoRub odor and were sad to find it has none. Still, most reviewers liked that this spray provided immediate relief. They said it opened up their nasal passages, alleviating congestion and allowing them to breathe fully.

Type	Nasal rinse
Ingredients	Saline
Dose	As often as needed
Best for	Clearing congestion, rinsing out allergens
Minimum age recommendation	2 years

MediaNaturaClearLife Allergy Nasal Spray

$12.99

Best Natural Relief for Nose, Eyes, Throat and Headaches

Pros:

Homeopathic formula with eight ingredients
Effective in treating mild allergy symptoms like runny or itchy nose, nasal congestion, or sneezing
Also addresses itchy eyes, sore throat and sinus headaches
Doesn't cause side effects like drowsiness, anxiety, or jitters
Can be used for adults and children age four and over

Cons:

Some found it ineffective for immediate relief

This homeopathic nasal spray contains several ingredients that help with mild allergies. For example, allium cepa is used to treat the symptoms of the common cold, flu, and allergies. Plus, these ingredients do not cause sleepiness or nervousness.

A few reviewers stated the product did not work for their symptoms, especially if they were severe or needed immediate relief. However, many reviewers were impressed with how their runny nose and watery eyes cleared up with consistent use.

Type	Homeopathic
Ingredients	Allium cepha, ambrosia artemesiaefolia, euphrasia, galphimia glauca, luffa, histaminum, sabadilla, sulphur
Dose	Every 2-4 hours
Best for	Relieving minor allergy symptoms such as itchy or runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion
Minimum age recommendation	4 years

Allergies Got You Feeling Helpless?

Fight back against allergens and their nasty symptoms. These products can help you reduce your exposure as well as make you feel better.

10 Best Reusable Air Pollution Masks in 2022

10 Best Neti Pots in 2022

10 Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes in 2022

Amazon's Best Selling Nasal Sprays and Drops

Haven't found a good pick? Check out Amazon's best-selling nasal sprays and drops!

Amazon Best Sellers: Nasal Sprays & Drops

Author: Helen Akers

Updated: Thuy Nguyen, 3/8/2022

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more mybest recommendations! For questions or comments, leave us feedback via a Google Form on our Contact Us page.

Disclaimer

The products listed do not guarantee any effects or results as described in the buying guide, nor do terms like "effective" or "safe" ensure that you will not experience symptoms or side effects.

None of the content on this website is intended to act as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider for healthcare concerns.

We referenced the following links when researching for and compiling our buying guide:

https://www.medicinenet.com/antihistamines_vs_corticosteroids/article.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/nasal-sprays-for-allergies-how-well-do-they-work
https://www.drugs.com/mtm/nasalcrom-nasal.html