Your guide to hayfever relief products
From tablets & eye drops to nasal sprays, which should I use?
When the sun comes out, our desire to make plans for the summer skyrockets. But for some people with hayfever, this can turn even the sunniest days into a sneezing struggle.
If pollen turns your days into a blur of tissues and itchy eyes, you’re likely on the hunt for hayfever relief that’s fast and effective. From tablets to nasal sprays and eye drops, this guide will walk you through how they work, when to use them and how to get the best results from each one.
What are the different types of hayfever relief?
Hayfever relief products fall into different categories:
- Antihistamines – a type of medication that relieve allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine (a chemical released during allergic reactions) – these can be in the form of tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops
- Steroid nasal sprays – these are anti-inflammatory medicines that are sprayed into the nose
Not all of these products work in the same way. The key difference? Each type has its own way of tackling symptoms. Tablets work by blocking the allergic response for whole-body relief, nasal sprays help reduce inflammation in the nose to ease symptoms like sneezing, and eye drops relieve sore, itchy eyes.
Can hayfever relief products be taken at the same time?
Sometimes when hayfever symptoms persist, it can be tempting to double up on treatment to help keep them at bay. But not all hayfever relief can be taken together, and it’s important to use them the right way.
For example, you might be able to pair an antihistamine tablet with a steroid nasal spray or some eye drops to help tackle more specific symptoms. However, not all combinations are suitable for everyone, so always read the label and check with a healthcare professional before combining treatments.
When’s best to use each type of hayfever relief?
Timing matters when it comes to hayfever relief. Just like the different types work in different ways, the same goes for when to take them.
Antihistamines work best when they’re taken consistently, two to four weeks before symptoms usually start, nasal sprays can take up to a few days to start building up effectiveness, and eye drops can offer on-the-spot relief when pollen peaks.
It’s also a good idea to think about when your symptoms hit the hardest so you can plan your usage around that. For example, if you notice your eyes are most irritable in the evening, keep your eye drops on hand, especially if you’re out and about.
Your guide to hayfever relief products
Now you know about the different types, it’s time to pick the ones best suited to the symptoms you experience. Discover our range of hayfever products at Boots.
Tablets
- Size: 30 tablets
- Suitable for adults & children 12 years & over
- Contains fexofenadine hydrochloride
Looking for hayfever relief that won’t let you down? No tablet is stronger* than these from Piri, providing non-drowsy** and max strength hayfever relief from sneezing, running or blocked noses, and itchy, red and watery eyes.
Always read the label.
- Size: 30 tablets
- Suitable for adults & children 6 years & over
- Non-drowsy for the majority of users
- Contains loratadine
Help combat summer sniffles this season. Clarityn can help relieve symptoms of hayfever and allergies for the whole day, plus they're non-drowsy for the majority of users too!
Always read the label.
- Size: 30 tablets
- Suitable for adults & children 12 years & over
- Non-drowsy in most people
- Contains fexofenadine hydrochloride
Don’t let hayfever get you down this season. Reach for these effective tablets to relieve symptoms such as an itchy nose and throat, runny nose and sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. The best bit? They act within one hour and provide up to 24-hour relief!
Always read the label.
- Size: 12 tablets
- Can be taken as required (up to 3 times per day. Do not take more than 3 doses in 24 hours)
- Suitable for adults & children 12 years & over
- Contains acrivastine
Suffering from itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing or skin allergies? Then look no further than these fastest-acting tablets.^ With acrivastine, an active ingredient, these start to work in just 15 minutes to provide fast relief when you need it most.
Benadryl Allergy Relief (12-65 years) contains acrivastine. Always read the label.
Nasal spray
- Size: 120 sprays
- Suitable for adults 18 years & over
- Contains azelastine hydrochloride & fluticasone propionate
This double action Dymista® Control nasal spray gets to work in five minutes^^ and helps relieve both moderate and severe hayfever symptoms.
It must only be used when either an antihistamine nasal spray or corticosteroid nasal spray has not provided relief.
Always read the label.
Eye drops
- Size: 10ml
- Contact lens friendly
- Free from preservatives
With a gentle formulation, these eye drops offer soothing and cooling relief for irritated, itchy eyes caused by hayfever, allergies, dust, pollution, air conditioning, smoke and bright lights.
- Size: 10ml
- Contact lens friendly
Hay fever typically causes runny eyes – these drops provide temporary relief of irritation, whether that’s caused by allergies or a dry eye condition.
