Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids relieve symptoms by suppressing allergy-related inflammation.

Nasal sprays

Corticosteroid sprays prevent and relieve stuffiness, sneezing and runny nose. Side effects can include an unpleasant taste, nasal irritation and nosebleeds. Examples include:

• Budesonide (Rhinocort)
• Fluticasone furoate (Flonase Sensimist)
• Fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief)
• Mometasone (Nasonex)
• Triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour)

For people who are bothered by the feeling of liquid running down their throats or the unpleasant taste of these sprays, there are two aerosol formulas:

• Beclomethasone (Qnasl)
• Ciclesonide (Zetonna)

Inhalers

Inhaled corticosteroids are often used daily as part of treatment for asthma caused or complicated by reactions to airborne allergy triggers (allergens). Side effects are generally minor and can include mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections.

Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators. Prescription inhalers include:

• Beclomethasone (Qvar Redihaler)
• Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler)
• Ciclesonide (Alvesco)
• Fluticasone (Flovent)
• Mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler)

Eyedrops

Corticosteroid eyedrops are used to relieve persistent itchy, red or watery eyes when other interventions aren't effective. A physician specializing in eye disorders (ophthalmologist) usually monitors the use of these drops because of the risk of problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma and infection. Examples include:

• Fluorometholone (Flarex, FML)
• Loteprednol (Alrex, Lotemax)
• Prednisolone (Omnipred, Pred Forte, others)

Pills and liquids

Oral corticosteroids are used to treat severe symptoms caused by all types of allergic reactions. Long-term use can cause cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, stomach ulcers, increased blood sugar (glucose) and delayed growth in children. Oral corticosteroids can also worsen high blood pressure.

Prescription oral corticosteroids include:

• Prednisolone (Prelone)
• Prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos)
• Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

Skin creams

Corticosteroid creams relieve allergic skin reactions such as itching, redness or scaling. Some low-potency corticosteroid creams are available without a prescription, but talk to your doctor before using these drugs for more than a few weeks.

Side effects can include skin discoloration and irritation. Long-term use, especially of stronger prescription corticosteroids, can cause thinning of the skin and abnormal hormone levels. Examples include:

• Betamethasone (Dermabet, Diprolene, others)
• Desonide (Desonate, DesOwen)
• Hydrocortisone (Locoid, Micort-HC, others)
• Mometasone (Elocon)
• Triamcinolone