Which type of drug is commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis?

Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis because they work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with allergies. When an allergen is encountered, histamine is released, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose. By preventing the binding of histamine to its receptors, antihistamines alleviate these symptoms and improve the patient's comfort.

These medications can be classified into first-generation and second-generation antihistamines. First-generation antihistamines may cause sedation and drowsiness, while second-generation antihistamines are typically non-sedating and preferred for long-term management of allergic rhinitis due to their improved side effect profile. As such, they are a primary choice for many patients suffering from seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.

Other drug classes, such as beta-blockers, corticosteroids, and opioids, have different primary uses. Beta-blockers are used mainly for cardiovascular conditions, corticosteroids can be used for reducing inflammation but are not the first line for allergic rhinitis, and opioids are potent pain relievers but do not address allergic symptoms. Therefore, antihistamines remain the most suitable and effective option