Pharmacies offer a wide range of effective OTC hayfever treatments. Sufferers who previously haven't found relief with OTC treatments should consider reviewing their medication as there may be a more effective or suitable product available with fewer side-effects. OTC treatment choices can be divided into different groups based on their mode of action:

Antihistamines

As the name suggests, these products work by blocking the action of histamine, one of the chemicals released when a susceptible person encounters pollen. These products tend to start working quickly and can be taken as sufferers notice symptoms appearing, rather than on a daily basis. Oral antihistamines are usually separated into two groups:

1. Older compounds €“ the most common example is chlorphenamine (e.g. Allercalm Allergy Relief, Piriton Allergy). This is a relatively non-specific antihistamine and one of its drawbacks is that it can cause drowsiness. Anyone buying these products should be warned of this, particularly if they are driving or operating machinery. Older antihistamines also have a shorter duration of action and so need to be taken more frequently, e.g. every four to six hours. However, these products are often more affordable, which makes them appealing to some customers.

2. Newer compounds €“ examples include acrivastine (e.g. Benadryl Allergy Relief), cetirizine (e.g. Benadryl One A Day, Benadryl Allergy Oral Solution, Piriteze Allergy Syrup, Pollenshield, Zirtek) and loratadine (e.g. Clarityn). Drowsiness is not usually a problem with these products, plus they tend to have a longer duration of action, so don't need to be taken as frequently.

Anti-inflammatory medicines

In hayfever, one of the main symptoms is inflammation of the nasal lining. There are two main groups of medicines that treat this:

1. Corticosteroid nasal sprays €“ examples include beclometasone diproprionate (e.g. Beconase), fluticasone propionate (e.g. Pirinase Hayfever Nasal Spray) and triamcinolone acetonide (e.g. Nasacort). These are often the first treatment choice for people who experience regular allergy symptoms over a long period of time. They are effective against all allergy symptoms, from itchy, watery eyes to sneezing and nasal blockage. For best results, the sufferer should start to use this medication a couple of weeks before the allergy season starts. They should then be used daily, regardless of whether the person has hayfever symptoms on that particular day or not.

2. Sodium cromoglicate €“ works by stabilising cells in the body called mast cells, which normally produce histamine. The more stable these cells are, the less likely they are to release histamine. These products work to help prevent hayfever symptoms and need to be taken regularly. Sodium cromoglicate is available in eye drops. Examples include Opticrom Allergy and Optrex Allergy Eye Drops.

Other products for hayfever include:

Care Allergy Defence €“ a nasal spray based on inert natural cellulose powder. It works by forming a mesh-like barrier that blocks pollen from triggering hayfever symptoms

Prevalin €“ a drug-free nasal spray that works by defusing allergens already inside the nose, forming a micro gel barrier to block further allergens irritating the nose and helping to clear allergens 

Haymax €“ a balm that provides a barrier against pollen. A small amount is applied to the base of the nostrils and should be reapplied after sneezing or blowing the nose

Stérimar Nasal Hygiene €“ a natural sea water nasal spray that helps to clear pollen and other airborne allergens out of the nose

Herbal and homoeopathic options are also available. These include Potter's Allerclear Hayfever Tablets; Seven Seas New Era Hayfever and Allergic Rhinitis; and Nelsons Pollena.

Each product's instructions should be read carefully to help determine patient suitability.