Managing Hay Fever – Self-Care Advice
Hay fever is a common seasonal allergy that can cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. Most cases of mild to moderate hay fever can be effectively managed with treatments available over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets, meaning GP prescriptions are no longer routinely offered.
How to Manage Hay Fever Yourself
- Antihistamines – Non-drowsy tablets such as cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine are available without a prescription.
- Nasal sprays – Steroid nasal sprays (e.g., beclometasone or fluticasone) help reduce inflammation and congestion.
- Eye drops – Sodium cromoglicate eye drops can relieve itchy and watery eyes.
- Barrier balms – Applying a small amount of petroleum jelly around your nostrils can help trap pollen.
- Avoiding triggers – Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons, shower after being outdoors, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Where to Get Treatment
Hay fever treatments can be purchased at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online without a prescription. You can also access help via the Pharmacy First service, where pharmacists can offer expert advice and recommend the best treatments for you.
More Information and Support
For further guidance, please visit the following links:
Watch this short video for practical tips on managing hay fever symptoms:
▶️ Watch here
If you have severe symptoms that do not improve with self-care treatments, please contact the surgery for further advice. We do not issue prescriptions for medications that are available over the counter, in keeping with South East London Guidelines.
What’s available over the counter?
1. Oral Antihistamines (Tablets & Liquid)
Non-Drowsy Antihistamines (Second-Generation)
| Drug | Common Brands | Minimum Age |
| Loratadine | Clarityn, Boots Own, Piritize | 2 years (liquid) / 6 years (tablets) |
| Cetirizine | Piriteze, Benadryl, Zirtek | 2 years (liquid) / 6 years (tablets) |
| Fexofenadine * | Allevia | 12 years |
(*Fexofenadine is sometimes available OTC but may require a pharmacist consultation.)
Drowsy Antihistamines (First-Generation)
| Drug | Common Brands | Minimum Age |
| Chlorphenamine | Piriton | 1 year (liquid) / 6 years (tablets) |
| Promethazine | Phenergan | 2 years (liquid) / 6 years (tablets) |
| Diphenhydramine | Nytol (for sleep) | 16 years (for sleep aid) |
2. Antihistamine Eye Drops
| Drug | Common Brands | Minimum Age |
| Sodium Cromoglicate | Opticrom, Optrex Allergy | 6 years |
| Antazoline & Xylometazoline | Otrivine Antistin | 12 years |
(Sodium cromoglicate is a mast cell stabiliser, but often grouped with antihistamine treatments for allergies.)
3. Antihistamine Nasal Sprays
| Drug | Common Brands | Minimum Age |
| Azelastine | Rhinolast | 6 years |
| Fluticasone & Azelastine | Dymista (Combination with steroid) | 12 years |