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Can Claritin Effectively Treat Cold And Blocked Ears?

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Posted on Sat, 6 Jan 2018
Twitter Sat, 6 Jan 2018 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 10 Jun 2025 Last reviewed on
Question : i have had a cold and my ears are plugged . i will be flying again in a few days and when the plane descends it is very painful. i have an enlarged prostate so i won't take some of the decongestants. will claritan help
what other decongestants can i take
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it may help, also consider topical decongestants

Detailed Answer:
HI,

There are oral and topical decongestants. The oral decongestants are pseudoephedrine and phenyephrine. These would have similar effects on the prostate.

The topical decongestants would not have as much effect on the prostate since they are applied to the nose but would have some effect. They would mainly help in nasal congestion with only minimal relief to the ears however.

Claritine or one of the other antihistamines may help eg benadryl, zyrtec, allegra. Unfortunately may not be as helpful as if combined with an oral decongestant.

YOu can add the topical decongestant to see if this has a small effect.

Medication such as ketotifen or montelukast, though they are not decongestants, may also help.

I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)
what topical decongestants do you think would work
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
otrivine or afrin

Detailed Answer:
HI,

Otrivine or afrin are the topical decongestants.



As mentioned, these can still have some effect on the prostate because some of it will be absorbed but the effect would be less than the oral meds
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16845 Questions

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Can Claritin Effectively Treat Cold And Blocked Ears?

Brief Answer: it may help, also consider topical decongestants Detailed Answer: HI, There are oral and topical decongestants. The oral decongestants are pseudoephedrine and phenyephrine. These would have similar effects on the prostate. The topical decongestants would not have as much effect on the prostate since they are applied to the nose but would have some effect. They would mainly help in nasal congestion with only minimal relief to the ears however. Claritine or one of the other antihistamines may help eg benadryl, zyrtec, allegra. Unfortunately may not be as helpful as if combined with an oral decongestant. YOu can add the topical decongestant to see if this has a small effect. Medication such as ketotifen or montelukast, though they are not decongestants, may also help. I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions