Two types of medications treat the different types of sinus congestion. These are antihistamines and decongestants.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are used for a runny nose. They help dry the sinus congestion and slow the drips. Antihistamines are also commonly used to treat seasonal allergies.
Some common antihistamines include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec and Allegra.
Decongestants
Decongestants are used for that stuffy, full feeling in your head. They help break up the sinus congestion and help it drain.
Some common decongestants include Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Sudafed PE (phenylephrine).
Many medications that combine one of these decongestants or antihistamines with other medications to make multi-symptom treatments. They are sold under numerous brand names.
