Non-prescription pseudoephedrine controls nasal allergy symptoms just as well as the more expensive prescription drug montelukast. In fact pseudoephedrine may provide better relief. Researchers from the University of Chicago conducted a study and found that both drugs had the same effect. While pseudoephedrine is known to be an effective treatment for nasal congestion caused by allergies, it was not thought to be particular useful against other symptoms. Moreover, some people who take pseudoephedrine experience side effects such as insomnia and nervousness. The investigating team anticipated that treatment with montelukast would provide broader symptom relief than pseudoephedrine and would be better tolerated. To find out they conducted a study, which involved 58 adults allergic to ragweed who were randomized to receive a once-daily morning dose of pseudoephedrine or montelukast for 2 weeks. Treatment with either agent provided similar and significant improvements in all aspects of quality of life. As noted, pseudoephedrine was more effective than montelukast at controlling nasal congestion, but otherwise the agents provided comparable symptom relief. The tolerability of the agents was similar with no increase in insomnia or nervousness seen with pseudoephedrine. The researchers chalk this up to pseudoephedrine being given as one higher dose in the morning, rather than as two or more lower doses given throughout the day as is often done. When people pick up pseudoephedrine over the counter, most of them pick up the twice-a-day dosing. If one takes a dose before bedtime, there's a good chance that he/she will experience insomnia or jitteriness. People can start with pseudoephedrine and if it doesn't give them the side effects then its fine. But, if it has side effects or one is not getting complete relief, there are a number of prescription medications that are more effective.
Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery,
March 2006