This product is available without a prescription. Persons with very thick nasal secretions may benefit from various mechanical devices that can be purchased for home use. Such devices are not expensive and can be useful for symptom relief. Antihistamines, especially first-generation preparations such as chlorpheniramine or brompheniramine, should not be used routinely in the treatment of geriatric rhinitis. These agents may have a drying effect on the nose and can worsen the patient's symptoms.
Decongestants have a limited role in the treatment of geriatric rhinitis.
Although they may improve nasal congestion, they may also worsen nasal dryness. Because decongestants can exacerbate hypertension, they must be used with caution in older patients. Nasal corticosteroids should also be used with caution in the older patient with rhinitis. Before you prescribe a nasal corticosteroid for a patient with allergic rhinitis, pay careful attention to the appearance of the nasal mucosa and observe the patient for local irritant side effects. Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer and will prevent an allergic reaction when used in advance of anticipated contact with a known allergen.