Has anyone used Claritin OTC to control post nasal drip?

To keep nasal drip under control I rinse my sinuses twice a day with saline and a budesonide ampule (Rx only). I've read that others use allergy sprays and/or a steroid spray in their noses. I tend to avoid tablets as they seem to make clearance more difficult.

Reflux/gerd can mimic PND. Have you ruled it out?

I use a year-round non-steroid nasal spray Azalastine (OTC brand name AstePro, but much cheaper in generic on my Medicare Part D.) to control post-nasal drip. This not only relieved my post-nasal drip, and the accompanying cough/raw throat, but alleviated the heartburn/indigestion I used to get. Ironically, everyone assume I had reflux, but all tests said "no" and this proved it.

During allergy seasons, I then add an over-the-counter antihistamine tablet called Xyzal (levocetiritzine). It is not as drying as most others I have tried, and does not aggravate my bronchospasms.

Have you tried a nasal spray to control the post-nasal drip? They are often less drying than an oral antihistamine.

I have tried Azelastine with out much success. I am looking for something that I can take for the long run since other things like dietary changes have not helped. I will give the Xyzal a try. Thanks.

I’ve had major issues with sinusitis and post nasal drip. In fact, one of the theories for my bronchiectasis is that the PND caused aspiration. (The other is that I cleared Mac on my own). We try to keep it under control. I’m on the following.

Mayo triple spray with Mometasone, Ipratropium and diphenhydramine 2x daily. (Taste is much better than Azelastine.)

Ipratropium nasal spray for breakthru ((6 hour active) as needed. It is prescription and if had to choose just 1, it would be this.

I also do nasal rinses with mometazone in saline. I wanted to decrease steroids and just used saline for a few months over winter, but had to start it again. The rinses really help when drainage starts getting discolored.

I never had much luck with oral antihistamines in usual dose. I take a lot for another condition right now, but the sprsys and rinses seem to work better for me.

Can you explain how you cleared MAC on your own? No big 3?

Thanks for all the info. Are Mometasone, Ipratropium and diphenhydramine perscription and did you get them from your pulmonologist or an ENT?

@lenorj
Have had your same symptoms for decades.

Back in my 50s I had two sinus surgeries to make sinus drainage improve. I was getting a lot of sinus infections caused by sinuses backing up. The surgeries did wonders to stop the sinus infections but caused extreme drainage down my throat.

This constant drainage leds to coughing and like you keeps my bronchitis aggravated.

What I have done working with my ENT was I do saline rinses from time to time to lesson irritations I am breathing in. I also use a steriod inhaler (Xhance) to treat some polyps that are in my nose. I also use the Azeslatine at night before going to bed.

All this things help. However I have some outside triggers and inside triggers that really can cause increase nasal and bronchitis irritations and tons of mucus being formed which really irritates my bronchitis.

My PCP told me when you do allery testing they don't test for Pine. I live in Florida and the prodominate trees are pine trees. What I have learned to do is not go out when winds are high. This helps cut down on the pollen. And if have been out with high pollen I come home, do the saline rinse and shower to get pollen off.

I have a real problem with dust also. So have a lot of air filters. I don't know the cause of your sinuistis or bronchitis just passing on my experience with this.

Have you asked your ENT (and should be seeing an ENT) about a nasal medication that actually dries up the nasal passages greatly lessoning the amount of drainage. I use this also but found it really does work and actually get too dry.
Good luck!

They are prescription from Mayo Clinic’s pulmonologist. They are compounded there, but can be ordered from docs in other states.

Btw, I use the Neil Med Squeezie which can be sterilized for nasal rinses and say Kaaaa while I’m putting it in to protect ears. I always had trouble with ears using Nettie pot.

It’s only a theory to explain my CT changes that look like MAC. My cultures have been negative.
As I said, the other theory is that I was aspirating small amounts of the post nasal drainage. I’d had the coughs for a while and it was hard to get in.