Runny nose is caused by a variety of factors, including seasonal changes, temperature fluctuations, and allergic reactions.
It greatly affects our daily lives and robs us of our comfort.
Causes and countermeasures for runny nose
Runny nose can result from a variety of causes.
The most common causes include colds, allergies, and changes in the outside air.
Here, we will discuss the causes and countermeasures for runny nose, especially those caused by colds and allergies.
Runny nose from a cold
When a person catches a cold, the mucous membranes of the nose become infected with a virus and inflamed, causing a runny nose.
One of the countermeasures against a runny nose from a cold is to increase the body’s resistance.
It is important to get enough rest, eat a well-balanced diet, and drink plenty of fluids.
When using over-the-counter medicines, it is advisable to choose those that are effective in relieving various symptoms of the common cold.
Runny nose from allergies
Runny nose due to allergic reactions is primarily caused by allergens such as pollen and house dust.
The body’s response to these outdoor and indoor allergens can cause runny nose, sneezing, and congestion.
Effective measures for allergic runny nose include avoiding contact with allergens as much as possible and keeping the air in the room clean.
In addition, the use of over-the-counter allergy medications is recommended as one measure.
However, if symptoms persist, a visit to a specialized medical facility is recommended.
How to choose over-the-counter medicines
Symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose can be very bothersome, and choosing the right over-the-counter medication is key to speeding recovery.
However, with the wide variety of medications on the market, it is often difficult to know which to choose.
Select by Symptom
Runny nose and rhinitis symptoms vary from individual to individual.
Therefore, it is important to choose an over-the-counter medication based on the symptoms.
Select by Ingredients
For example, medications for a runny or stuffy nose often contain antihistamines and α-adrenergic agonists.
Antihistamines help control runny nose and sneezing caused by allergies, while α-adrenergic agonists relieve nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Over-the-counter medications containing ingredients known as cold remedies may also be effective for runny noses caused by the common cold.
For example, “Stonarini S 24 Tablets” is said to be effective for sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion, and is a medicine that treats multiple symptoms.
On the other hand, “Benza Rhinitis Pill α 12 Tablets” is said to work well for rhinitis when taken twice a day and is particularly suitable for those suffering from rhinitis.
Therefore, when choosing an over-the-counter medicine, it is essential to identify one’s main symptoms and select a medicine that contains the right ingredients for them.
Effective for runny nose! 8 Popular Over-the-Counter Medicines
Numerous over-the-counter medications exist to combat runny nose, congestion, and allergies.
Here are 8 of the most popular over-the-counter medications.
These medicines are available from reputable manufacturers such as Sato Pharmaceutical, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Taisho Pharmaceutical, Daiichi Sankyo Pharmaceutical, and GlaxoSmithKline.
１．Stonarini S 24 tablets – Pharmaceutical（ストナリニＳ ２４錠 – 佐藤製薬）
Available for ages 15 and up.
Take one tablet once or twice a day.
| Effect | Ingredient | Amount |
| Relieve congestion and runny nose due to allergies | Chlorpheniramine maleate | 6mg |
| Relieves nasal congestion | Phenylephrine hydrochloride | 6mg |
| Rhinitis improvement | Datura extract | 12mg |
It is popular as a medicine that offers a good balance between ease of use and cost effectiveness.
- Do not use with other cold medicines, antipyretic analgesics, sedatives, antitussive expectorants, gastrointestinal analgesics, spasmolytics, rhinitis medicines, allergy medicines, etc., as their ingredients may overlap.
- May cause drowsiness after taking.
- Symptoms may be aggravated in those with an enlarged prostate or a history of angle-closure glaucoma.
2. Benza Rhinitis Medication Alpha 12 Tablets – Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited（ベンザ鼻炎薬α １２錠 – 武田薬品）
Available for ages 15 and up.
One tablet is taken twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
| Effect | Ingredient | Amount |
| Relieve congestion and runny nose due to allergies | d-Chlorpheniramine maleate. | 4mg |
| Relieves nasal congestion | Pseudoephidrene hydrochloride | 120mg |
| Rhinitis improvement | Tranexamic acid | 420mg |
| Improve drowsiness and fatigue | Anhydrous caffeine | 100mg |
| Suppress the sniffles | Belladonna alkaloid | 0.4mg |
It is also attractively priced and easy to continue using.
- Do not use with other cold medicines, antipyretic analgesics, sedatives, antitussive expectorants, gastrointestinal analgesics, spasmolytics, rhinitis medicines, allergy medicines, etc., as their ingredients may overlap.
- May cause drowsiness after taking.
- Symptoms may be aggravated in those with an enlarged prostate or a history of angle-closure glaucoma.
3.New Contac R600 Plus 20 capsules – GlaxoSmithKline(新コンタックＲ６００プラス ２０カプセル – グラクソ・スミスクライン)
Available for ages 7 and up.
One tablet is taken twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
| Effect | Ingredient | Amount |
| Relieve congestion and runny nose due to allergies | Chlorpheniramine maleate. | 8mg |
| Relieves nasal congestion | Pseudoephidrene hydrochloride | 120mg |
| Improve drowsiness and fatigue | Anhydrous caffeine | 100mg |
| Suppress the sniffles | Belladonna alkaloid | 0.4mg |
This medicine is also good value for money.
- Do not use with other cold medicines, antipyretic analgesics, sedatives, antitussive expectorants, gastrointestinal analgesics, spasmolytics, rhinitis medicines, allergy medicines, etc., as their ingredients may overlap.
- May cause drowsiness after taking.
- Symptoms may be aggravated in those with an enlarged prostate or a history of angle-closure glaucoma.
4.Nazar Spray (Pump) 30ml – Sato Pharmaceutical(ナザールスプレー（ポンプ） ３０ｍｌ – 佐藤製薬)
Available for ages 7 and up.
Spray into the nasal cavity once or twice at a time, up to 6 times a day.
| Effect | Ingredient | Amount |
| Relieve congestion and runny nose due to allergies | Chlorpheniramine maleate | 500mg |
| Relieves nasal congestion | Naphazoline | 50mg |
| Topical disinfectants | Benzalkonium Chlorides | 10mg |
It is highly regarded for its ease of use, and can be used easily by busy people.
5. Pabron nasal spray 30ml – Taisho Pharmaceutical(パブロン点鼻 ３０ｍｌ – 大正製薬)
Available for ages 7 and up.
Spray into the nasal cavity once or twice at a time, up to 6 times a day.
| Effect | Ingredient | Amount |
| Relieve congestion and runny nose due to allergies | Chlorpheniramine maleate | 500mg |
| Relieves nasal congestion | Naphazoline | 50mg |
| Topical disinfectants | Benzethonium Chlorides | 20mg |
Nasal drops act directly on the nasal passages to speedily relieve symptoms.
6. Pabron gold A fine granule 28 packets – Taisho Pharmaceutical(パブロンゴールドＡ 微粒 ２８包 – 大正製薬)
Available for ages 12 and up.
15 years and older: 1 packet 3 times a day, 12-14 years: 2/3 packet 3 times a day
| Effect | Ingredient | Amount |
| Relieve congestion and runny nose due to allergies | Chlorpheniramine maleate | 2.5mg |
| Relieves nasal congestion, soothe a cough | dl-Methylephedrine hydrochloride | 20mg |
| Rhinitis improvement | Acetaminophen | 300mg |
| Improve drowsiness and fatigue | Anhydrous caffeine | 25mg |
| Cough medicine | Dihydrocodeine Phosphates | 8mg |
| Metabolism improvement | Riboflavin (vitamin B2) | 4mg |
| Expectorant | Guaifenesin | 60mg |
It is effective for a wide range of symptoms and is ideal as a household remedy.
- Do not use with other cold medicines, antipyretic analgesics, sedatives, antitussive expectorants, gastrointestinal analgesics, spasmolytics, rhinitis medicines, allergy medicines, etc., as their ingredients may overlap.
- May cause drowsiness after taking.
- Symptoms may be aggravated in those with an enlarged prostate or a history of angle-closure glaucoma.
7. Lulu Attack NX 12 Tablets – Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare(ルルアタックＮＸ 12錠 – 第一三共ヘルスケア)
Available for ages 15 and up.
Take 2 tablets 3 times a day.
| Effect | Ingredient | Amount |
| Relieve congestion and runny nose due to allergies | Chlorpheniramine maleate | 1.34mg |
| Relieves nasal congestion, soothe a cough | dl-Methylephedrine hydrochloride | 60mg |
| Rhinitis improvement | Ibuprofen | 450mg |
| Suppress the sniffles | Belladonna alkaloid | 0.3mg |
| Improve drowsiness and fatigue | Anhydrous caffeine | 75mg |
| Cough medicine | Dihydrocodeine Phosphates | 24mg |
| Metabolism improvement | Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Benfotiamine (Vitamin B1 derivative) | 12mg, 25㎎ |
| Expectorant | Bromhexine hydrochloride | 12mg |
Powerful and effective, it also treats severe runny nose.
- Do not use with other cold medicines, antipyretic analgesics, sedatives, antitussive expectorants, gastrointestinal analgesics, spasmolytics, rhinitis medicines, allergy medicines, etc., as their ingredients may overlap.
- May cause drowsiness after taking.
- Symptoms may be aggravated in those with an enlarged prostate or a history of angle-closure glaucoma.
8. New Contac Cold General 12 capsules – GlaxoSmiths(新コンタックかぜ総合 １２カプセル – グラクソスミス)
Available for ages 15 and up.
7~15 years old: 1 capsule twice a day, 15 years old and older: 2 capsules twice a day
| Effect | Ingredient | Amount |
| Relieve congestion and runny nose due to allergies | d-Chlorpheniramine maleate | 3.5mg |
| Relieves nasal congestion, soothe a cough | dl-Methylephedrine hydrochloride | 40mg |
| Rhinitis improvement | Acetaminophen | 900mg |
| Improve drowsiness and fatigue | Anhydrous caffeine | 75mg |
| Cough medicine | Dextromethorphan | 48mg |
| Expectorant | Bromhexine hydrochloride | 8mg |
Six active ingredients work in good balance to relieve various symptoms of colds.
- Do not use with other cold medicines, antipyretic analgesics, sedatives, antitussive expectorants, gastrointestinal analgesics, spasmolytics, rhinitis medicines, allergy medicines, etc., as their ingredients may overlap.
- May cause drowsiness after taking.
- Symptoms may be aggravated in those with an enlarged prostate or a history of angle-closure glaucoma.
Summary
In this article, we have selected nine popular over-the-counter medications for a runny or stuffy nose and allergies.
Each medicine has its own ingredients and characteristics to address specific symptoms, so it is important to choose the best over-the-counter medicine for your symptoms and allergies.
If you have any concerns or questions, we also recommend that you consult your pharmacist.
Since the feeling of effectiveness varies from person to person, even recommended over-the-counter medicines may not feel effective or may not suit your body.
If symptoms are not relieved or worsen after 14 days, seek medical advice.
We hope this article will help those suffering from runny or stuffy nose.
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