Seasonal allergies don’t stick to one season. Spring pollens, summer grasses, fall ragweed, and even mold spores from damp leaves or indoor dust make many of us sniffle nearly year-round. The good news: several OTC (over-the-counter) medicines work across seasons and triggers.
Below are 10 reliable OTC options, what they’re best for, and smart ways to pair them. Always check labels to avoid duplicate ingredients and ask a clinician if you have chronic conditions, are pregnant, or take other medications.
1. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) — second-generation oral antihistamine
- Best for: Fast, all-day relief of sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, and itch from pollen, ragweed, dust mites, and molds.
- Why it helps: Blocks histamine, the key chemical driving most allergy symptoms. Second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine are preferred because they’re less sedating and longer-acting than older options. Source: AAAAI
- Good to know: May still cause some drowsiness in sensitive people. Source: MedlinePlus
2. Fexofenadine (Allegra) — non-drowsy oral antihistamine
- Best for: Daytime relief when you want the least sedation possible.
- Why it helps: Long-acting H1 blocker with minimal brain penetration, so it’s less likely to cause drowsiness than many alternatives. Source: MedlinePlus
- Good to know: Take with water; fruit juices can reduce absorption. Source: MedlinePlus
3. Loratadine (Claritin) — non-drowsy oral antihistamine
- Best for: Mild to moderate allergy days and those sensitive to sedation.
- Why it helps: Once-daily H1 blocker that eases the classic “itch-sneeze-drip” symptoms from spring and fall allergens. Source: MedlinePlus
- Good to know: Generally less sedating than first-generation antihistamines. Source: AAAAI
4. Levocetirizine (Xyzal) — evening-friendly oral antihistamine
- Best for: Nighttime symptom relief heading into peak pollen or ragweed seasons.
- Why it helps: An active isomer of cetirizine with similar efficacy for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. Source: MedlinePlus
- Good to know: Can cause drowsiness in some; taking in the evening may fit better for certain users. Source: MedlinePlus
5. Fluticasone propionate nasal spray (Flonase) — intranasal corticosteroid
- Best for: Stubborn nasal congestion plus sneezing, runny nose, and itching from any season.
- Why it helps: Intranasal corticosteroids are considered the most effective single treatment for allergic rhinitis when used consistently. Source: AAAAI
- Good to know: Works best when used daily; allow several days for full effect. Source: MedlinePlus
6. Budesonide nasal spray (Rhinocort) — intranasal corticosteroid
- Best for: Daily control through changing seasons or when transitioning from spring to fall triggers.
- Why it helps: Reduces nasal inflammation that underlies congestion and drip across allergens (pollen, ragweed, dust, molds). Source: MedlinePlus
- Good to know: Start before peak season if you can, and use regularly for best results. Source: AAAAI
7. Azelastine nasal spray (Astepro) — fast-acting intranasal antihistamine
- Best for: Rapid relief of nasal itch, sneeze, and drip during high-pollen or ragweed days.
- Why it helps: Delivers antihistamine directly to nasal tissues; now available OTC in the U.S. Source: FDA
- Good to know: Can be used alone or with a nasal steroid for added benefit during flares. Source: AAFP
8. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray (NasalCrom) — mast cell stabilizer
- Best for: Preventing symptoms if started before your season (spring pollen or fall ragweed/mold) or for very sensitive users seeking a gentle option.
- Why it helps: Stabilizes mast cells to reduce release of histamine and other mediators. Works best when used several times daily and started ahead of exposure. Source: AAFP
- Good to know: Very safe; consistency matters for effectiveness. Source: AAFP
9. Ketotifen eye drops (Zaditor, Alaway) — antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer
- Best for: Itchy, watery eyes from tree/grass pollens in spring or ragweed/mold in fall.
- Why it helps: Dual-action antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer provides fast and sustained ocular relief. Source: MedlinePlus
- Good to know: Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before use as directed. Source: MedlinePlus
10. Olopatadine eye drops (Pataday Once Daily Relief/Regular Strength) — antihistamine
- Best for: Daily control of eye itch and redness throughout prolonged pollen or ragweed seasons.
- Why it helps: Topical antihistamine that targets ocular allergy symptoms directly; available OTC in multiple strengths. Source: MedlinePlus
- Good to know: Check the exact strength and dosing frequency on the label.
How to pick and pair (without doubling up)
- Start with your main symptom:
- Mostly nasal (especially congestion): use a nasal steroid (fluticasone or budesonide). They’re the most effective monotherapy for nasal symptoms when used daily. Source: AAAAI
- Itch/sneeze/drip without much congestion: use a second-generation oral antihistamine (cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine, or levocetirizine). Source: AAAAI
- Itchy eyes: add ketotifen or olopatadine eye drops.
- For flares: adding an intranasal antihistamine (azelastine) to a nasal steroid can provide extra, faster relief. Source: AAFP
- Avoid ingredient overlap: don’t take two oral antihistamines together; check combo products to prevent duplicates.
Safety notes you shouldn’t skip
- Drowsiness: Even “non-drowsy” antihistamines can sedate some people. Know your response before driving. Source: AAAAI
- Decongestants: If you consider adding an oral decongestant like pseudoephedrine for severe stuffiness, note it can raise blood pressure and heart rate—avoid if you have certain cardiovascular conditions unless your clinician says it’s okay. Source: AAAAI | MedlinePlus on pseudoephedrine
- Kids, pregnancy, and chronic conditions: Ask a clinician or pharmacist for tailored guidance.
When to see a clinician
- Symptoms persist despite daily, correct use of OTC options for 2–4 weeks.
- You have frequent sinus infections, wheeze/shortness of breath, or need decongestants continuously.
- You’re considering allergy shots (immunotherapy) or have year-round triggers at home or work.
Quick take: For most people with seasonal symptoms, a daily nasal steroid plus a non-drowsy antihistamine (and eye drops as needed) covers both spring and fall. Use consistently, watch for overlap, and step up or down based on your worst symptoms.