OVER-THE-COUNTER ANTIHISTAMINES

The best first choice to relieve a runny nose is usually Loratadine (Claritin) or the related drug cetirizine (ZyRtec), which recently went OTC. They're less likely to make you sleepy than older OTC antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy) and cost less than comparably safe and effective prescription antihistamines. If itchy, watery eyes are a problem, you can try ketotifen (ALAWAY, Zaditor), an antihistamine eye drop approved for OTC sale.

OVER- AND BEHIND-THECOUNTER DECONGESTANTS

These temporarily relieve a stuffy nose but aren't a good long-term solution because of significant risk of side effects. The most effective decongestant pills, pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), now available only behind the counter from the pharmacist, can cause dizziness, nervousness, sleeplessness, heart palpitations, and increased blood pressure. Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), available OTC, is somewhat safer but much less effective and can still make you jittery. Decongestant nasal sprays or drops can actually worsen the problem if used for more than three consecutive days.