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Can I Take Naproxen For Hay Fever?
Question: Can I take naproxen to help with hay fever?
Brief Answer:
Antihistamines would work much better for hay fever/seasonal allergies
Detailed Answer:
So you are suffering from hay fever - seasonal allergies. As a long time allergy sufferer and physician I can tell you that naproxen won't work much for hay fever. It is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug for pain. It works on the prostaglandin system rather than on decreasing the effects of histamines.
The first line treatment for allergies are antihistamines. Cetirizine (in US brand name is Zyrtec) is one of the best and lasts 24 hours. Claritin (Loratadine) or Allegra (Fexofendaine) are good too and are non-sedating.
If you are having trouble with congestion, any of the above antihistamines also come in combination with decongestants (e.g. Zyrtec-D).
If your predominant symptoms are in the nose and sinuses (and throat), a nasal corticosteroid spray can be very helpful, such as Flonase (fluticasone). These take a few days to reach maximum effect.
Are you currently on prednisolone or was that in the past, and what was that for? If you are currently on an oral corticosteroid like prednisolone, then you can skip the topical corticosteroid nasal spray.
There are also antihistamine nasal sprays (by prescription).
I would not used decongestant nasal sprays as these can have a rebound effect, making things worse when you stop using it.
Another type of treatment for seasonal allergies, especially if there is any asthma, is a leukotriene receptor antagonist such as Singulair (montelukast). These are non sedating and work about as well as oral antihistamines.
I hope this information helps and that you feel better soon.
Antihistamines would work much better for hay fever/seasonal allergies
Detailed Answer:
So you are suffering from hay fever - seasonal allergies. As a long time allergy sufferer and physician I can tell you that naproxen won't work much for hay fever. It is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug for pain. It works on the prostaglandin system rather than on decreasing the effects of histamines.
The first line treatment for allergies are antihistamines. Cetirizine (in US brand name is Zyrtec) is one of the best and lasts 24 hours. Claritin (Loratadine) or Allegra (Fexofendaine) are good too and are non-sedating.
If you are having trouble with congestion, any of the above antihistamines also come in combination with decongestants (e.g. Zyrtec-D).
If your predominant symptoms are in the nose and sinuses (and throat), a nasal corticosteroid spray can be very helpful, such as Flonase (fluticasone). These take a few days to reach maximum effect.
Are you currently on prednisolone or was that in the past, and what was that for? If you are currently on an oral corticosteroid like prednisolone, then you can skip the topical corticosteroid nasal spray.
There are also antihistamine nasal sprays (by prescription).
I would not used decongestant nasal sprays as these can have a rebound effect, making things worse when you stop using it.
Another type of treatment for seasonal allergies, especially if there is any asthma, is a leukotriene receptor antagonist such as Singulair (montelukast). These are non sedating and work about as well as oral antihistamines.
I hope this information helps and that you feel better soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yes I was prescribed prednisolone a couple of years back and it's worked.
The over the counter ones are having no effect on me, but I can't get a doctors appointment until Wednesday. My eyes have swollen badly and my face feels like it's burning up.
The over the counter ones are having no effect on me, but I can't get a doctors appointment until Wednesday. My eyes have swollen badly and my face feels like it's burning up.
Brief Answer:
Do you have a clinic you can be seen at sooner than your doctor?
Detailed Answer:
Facial burning pain is not typical for hay fever. I am wondering if something is going on other than seasonal allergies. Without seeing you I can't figure out why your face would be burning. The sinuses can feel raw and burning but I would not think there would be skin burning unless you are getting hives there or a rash.
There are antihistamine and anti-inflammatory drops for the eyes but these are by prescription in most places.
If you are suffering badly, and it sounds like you are, do you have any urgent care/walk in clinics in England as we have in the US?
Do you have a clinic you can be seen at sooner than your doctor?
Detailed Answer:
Facial burning pain is not typical for hay fever. I am wondering if something is going on other than seasonal allergies. Without seeing you I can't figure out why your face would be burning. The sinuses can feel raw and burning but I would not think there would be skin burning unless you are getting hives there or a rash.
There are antihistamine and anti-inflammatory drops for the eyes but these are by prescription in most places.
If you are suffering badly, and it sounds like you are, do you have any urgent care/walk in clinics in England as we have in the US?
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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