There are few head to head comparisons of the above medications. It is assumed that they are fairly equivalent and patients should try a few different preps to decide which works best for them. If nasal steroids and antihistamines are inadequate to control symptoms then a decongestant should be added. Decongestants work by constricting blood vessels in the nose thereby decreasing the swelling and congestion in the nose. They are quite effective in decreasing the stuffiness and congestion associated with allergic rhinitis.
Decongestants come in a variety of forms some associated with antihistamines and some alone.
These are the major preparations of decongestants. They should be avoided in those individuals with hypertension. If nasal steroids, antihistamines, and decongestants are ineffective at treating allergic rhinitis then the patient is a candidate for immunotherapy.