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TREATING ALLERGIC RHINITIS WITH
BENADRYL ALLERGY RELIEF (acrivastine)
Considering treatment options based on your customer’s needs
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1 IN 3 PEOPLE IN THE UK HAVE ONE OR MORE ALLERGIC CONDITIONS,1
WITH ALMOST 1 IN 2 REPORTEDLY SUFFERING FROM HAY FEVER.2
It has been suggested that the changing climate (i.e. changes in temperature and rainfall) could lengthen the UK pollen season and possibly increase pollen concentrations and/or their potency. Climate change could also alter the geographical distribution of allergenic plants.3
Customers suffering from allergies, including hay fever, may turn to you for advice and for fast-acting symptomatic relief.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Understand the unique benefits of the antihistamine acrivastine
Know more about various products in the Benadryl range and how they work to relieve allergy symptoms
Be able to make appropriate recommendations based on your customer’s needs
Treatment options for allergic rhinitis and hay fever
NICE considers non-sedating oral antihistamines as one of the first-line treatment options for allergic rhinitis (AR).
It can be used alone, or in combination with an intranasal corticosteroid.4
Non-sedating oral antihistamines
Non-sedating oral antihistamines are available over the counter, e.g.
Acrivastine
Cetirizine hydrochloride
Fexofenadine hydrochloride
Loratadine
Click the headings below to learn more about the antihistamines present in the Benadryl range.
Acrivastine is a second-generation antihistamine that is unique to Benadryl. It gets to work faster than cetirizine or loratadine tablets or capsules.5 Benadryl Allergy Relief is the UK’s fastest acting5 allergy relief capsule.*
Acrivastine does not prevent the release of histamine when exposed to an allergen, but instead prevents histamine from binding to its receptors. This prevents the release of additional allergy chemicals and blood supply to the area, providing relief from typical allergy symptoms. It also helps to relieve itching. Acrivastine can be found in Benadryl Allergy Relief (acrivastine) and Benadryl Allergy Relief Plus Decongestant Capsules (acrivastine; pseudoephedrine).
KEY POINTS ABOUT ACRIVASTINE:6-10
It gets to work in 15 minutes and provides fast relief from hay fever symptoms5
Its effect lasts up to 8 hours. It is taken when needed, up to 3 times a day
It can be taken with or without food
It is a non-drowsy antihistamine in the majority of people
As with all antihistamines, it is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol consumption when taking acrivastine.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth and dizziness.10 Customers experiencing a dry mouth could chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.6
*vs OTC medicines
Cetirizine is also a second-generation antihistamine and just like acrivastine, it blocks histamine receptors to provide relief from typical allergy symptoms. It provides long-lasting, all-day relief. At 22 to 24 hours post dosage, 10mg cetirizine is stronger than fexofenadine at relieving hay fever symptoms.5 It can be found in Benadryl Allergy One a Day Tablets, Benadryl Allergy Children's 1mg/ml Oral Solution and Benadryl Allergy Children's 6+ 1mg/ml Oral Solution.
KEY POINTS ABOUT CETIRIZINE:11-13
A 10mg dose can be taken once a day (for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age)
It provides 24-hours maximum strength allergy relief5
It gets to work within 1 hour14
It is non-drowsy in the majority of people
As with all antihistamines, it is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol consumption when taking cetirizine.
SIDE EFFECTS:13
Common side effects include headache or dizziness, drowsiness or tiredness, restlessness, dry mouth, sore throat, effects on the stomach (e.g. upset stomach, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea) and a runny nose.
BENADRYL PRODUCTS CONTAINING ACRIVASTINE OR CETIRIZINE WORK AGAINST 7 SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGY, INCLUDING:7-9,12
-
ITCHY NOSE -
RUNNY NOSE -
SNEEZING
-
ITCHY EYES -
WATERY EYES -
HIVES -
ITCHY SKIN
Intranasal corticosteroids
Intranasal corticosteroids are available over the counter, e.g.
Budesonide
Beclometasone dipropionate
Fluticasone propionate
Mometasone furoate
When used on a regular basis, intranasal corticosteroids are considered the most effective treatment for controlling symptoms of allergic rhinitis.4 However, the maximum effect may take several days or weeks to be seen.4
Click the heading below to learn more about the intranasal corticosteroid present in the Benadryl range.
Budesonide is an intranasal corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.15,16 It can bring anti-inflammatory relief of congestion and nasal allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and associated sinus discomfort.15-17 Budesonide is found in Benacort Nasal Spray and Benacort Hayfever Relief Nasal Spray.
KEY POINTS ABOUT BUDESONIDE:15,16
Works against major hay fever symptoms, for continuous relief day and night5
GSL products: Prescription strength to relieve hay fever5
P products: Prescription strength to prevent and relieve hay fever5
It is non-drowsy5
Customers should be reminded of the importance of taking this medicine regularly
The full effect of this medicine is not achieved until after a few days’ treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS:17
The most common side effects are nasal irritation (e.g. sneezing, dry nose or stinging in the nose) and nosebleeds.
Exploring the Benadryl range
Click the buttons below the packshots to learn more about the key benefits of each product in the Benadryl range so you can make appropriate recommendations to your customers.
INGREDIENT:
Acrivastine 8mg, an antihistamine unique to the Benadryl brand
KEY BENEFITS:
Gets to work in 15 minutes and provides fast relief from hay fever symptoms
Offers a flexible dosing schedule
Effectively relieves indoor and outdoor allergies
DOSAGE:
Adults & children 12-65 years old: One capsule up to three times a day.
Maximum 3 doses in 24 hours.
WHY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT?
Benadryl Allergy Relief is the UK's fastest acting allergy relief capsule.*5
*vs OTC medicines
INGREDIENTS:
Acrivastine 8mg, an antihistamine unique to the Benadryl brand
PLUS pseudoephedrine 60mg, the most powerful oral decongestant*
KEY BENEFITS:
Fast relief of allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion
Offers a flexible dosing schedule
Effectively relieves indoor and outdoor allergies
Helps to relieve a blocked nose associated with allergies
DOSAGE:
Adults & children 12-65 years old: One capsule up to three times a day.
Maximum 3 doses in 24 hours.
WHY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT?
It's the only capsule to combine a fast-acting antihistamine with a powerful oral decongestant.*5
*vs OTC medicines
INGREDIENT:
The antihistamine cetirizine 10mg
KEY BENEFITS:
Provides long-lasting, all-day relief of hay fever symptoms
Convenience of once-a-day dosing
Relieves allergy symptoms through the night
Effectively relieves indoor and outdoor allergies
DOSAGE:
Adults & children 12 years and over: One tablet, once per day.
WHY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT?
It provides 24-hour maximum strength allergy relief.5
INGREDIENT:
The antihistamine cetirizine 1mg/ml
KEY BENEFITS:
Provides long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms
Effectively relieves indoor and outdoor allergies
Sugar free and colour free
DOSAGE:
Children 2-6 years: One 2.5ml spoonful in the morning and one 2.5ml spoonful in the evening
Children 6-12 years: One 5ml spoonful in the morning and one 5ml spoonful in the evening
Children 12 and over (and adults): Two 5ml spoonfuls once a day
INGREDIENT:
The antihistamine cetirizine 1mg/ml
KEY BENEFITS:
Provides long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms
Effectively relieves indoor and outdoor allergies
Sugar free and colour free
DOSAGE:
Children 6-12 years: One 5ml spoonful in the morning and one 5ml spoonful in the evening
Children 12 and over (and adults): Two 5ml spoonfuls once a day
WHY RECOMMEND THESE PRODUCTS?
They are specifically designed for children. They provide long-lasting relief of dust, pet and skin allergies as well as hay fever.18,19
INGREDIENT:
The corticosteroid budesonide 64mcg
KEY BENEFITS:
Prescription strength to prevent and relieve hay fever
For effective prevention and 24-hour continuous relief from hay fever
Unbeatable 24-hour hay fever relief**
Can be used alongside Benadryl products containing acrivastine or cetirizine
Does not cause unpleasant taste or smell
Fragrance free
Non-drowsy
DOSAGE:
Adults aged 18 years and over:
Recommended start dose is two sprays per nostril every day. This may be used once a day, e.g. two sprays into each nostril in the morning, or twice a day, e.g. one spray into each nostril in the morning and evening.
Treatment should, if possible, start before exposure to seasonal allergens. If symptoms are not controlled, or persist for longer than 2 weeks of treatment, medical advice must be sought. This medicine should not be used continuously for longer than 3 months
The dose should be titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control of symptoms is achieved.
WHY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT?
It provides effective prevention and relief of major hay fever symptoms.15
**Nasal symptoms only; vs OTC medicines; based on once daily dosage
INGREDIENT:
The corticosteroid budesonide 64mcg
KEY BENEFITS:
Reduces inflammation in the nose to help relieve symptoms of hay fever
Unbeatable 24-hour hay fever relief†
Can be used alongside Benadryl products containing acrivastine or cetirizine
Does not cause unpleasant taste or smell
Fragrance free
Non-drowsy
DOSAGE:
Adults aged 18 years and over:
Initial treatment to start with two sprays into each nostril each morning. Once symptoms are under control, a maintenance dose of one spray into each nostril each morning may be used. Total daily administration should not exceed four sprays
If symptoms persist or are not adequately controlled after 7 days of treatment, customers should consult their doctor or pharmacist. This medicine should not be used continuously for longer than 1 month without seeking medical advice
If symptoms recur patients should revert to the starting dose. The lowest dose at which effective control of symptoms is achieved should be used.
WHY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT?
It works against major hay fever symptoms, for continuous relief day and night.16
†Nasal symptoms only, vs OTC medicines
INGREDIENT:
Isotonic saline
KEY BENEFITS:
Helps unblock the nose and provides natural congestion relief by washing away irritants
Treats blocked, dry or irritated nasal passages caused by allergies, including hay fever
Can be used with allergy tablets or capsules
Suitable for all ages
DOSAGE:
Infants & babies up to 2 years: One spray into each nostril as required
Adults & children over 2 years: One or two sprays into each nostril as required
WHY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT?
It provides an instant cleansing effect by cleaning and moistening the nasal passages and flushing allergens out of the nose. It is suitable for all ages.
Red flag symptoms
Hay fever involves classical symptoms that are usually easy to identify. However, if your customer presents with any of these signs and symptoms, you should refer them to their GP:4
Unilateral symptoms (only one eye or one nostril is involved)
Discoloured nasal discharge
Recurrent nosebleeds
Facial or nasal pain
Loss of sense of smell
If your customer’s symptoms are getting worse or do not improve after taking hay fever medicines, refer them to the pharmacist or their GP.21 They may not have hay fever or they may require additional support.
Self-care tips
Managing hay fever involves a combination of identifying triggers, implementing preventive measures and using appropriate treatments.
Click through the carousel to discover Allergy UK’s tips to reduce exposure to pollen:22
hat to keep pollen out of the eyes and face.
and change clothing after arriving home.
pollen is being released and in the evening when the air cools.
outside when pollen counts are high.
ask someone else to do it.
Customer scenarios
Click on each scenario below to find out about a product that could work well for that customer.
22-year-old Kate:
"I've just started getting some mild hay fever symptoms. I’m sneezing and my nose is really runny, especially in the mornings."
BENADRYL ALLERGY RELIEF could be a good option for Kate. It's a fast-acting antihistamine that can help relieve hay fever symptoms and is non-drowsy in most people. It also offers a flexible dosing schedule, so if she occasionally suffers from symptoms later in the day, she could take another capsule (up to 3 in 24 hours).
38-year-old Anil:
"I’m really busy so I don’t want something that will make me feel sluggish. My hay fever symptoms are annoying, but I don’t want to take lots of tablets during the day."
BENADRYL ALLERGY ONE A DAY might be a good option for Anil as he only needs to take one tablet a day. This non-drowsy (in most people) antihistamine can provide relief from both nasal and eye symptoms throughout the day.
30-year-old Tony:
"I've had hay fever for years, and it seems to get worse every year. My eyes itch, and I’m sneezing a lot. My nose is constantly blocked too, but I really don’t like using nasal sprays."
BENADRYL ALLERGY RELIEF PLUS DECONGESTANT CAPSULES could be a good option for Tony. It gets to work quickly to bring relief of allergy symptoms and will help to relieve his nasal congestion too.
45-year-old Abby:
"I can’t breathe through my nose at night, and it’s affecting my sleep. My nose is blocked during the day too and it seems to last all summer."
BENACORT HAYFEVER RELIEF NASAL SPRAY could be a good option for Abby. The steroid spray reduces inflammation in the nasal passages, which can help relieve congestion and consequently improve her sleep.5 Its effect can last for 24 hours so it will provide continuous relief, day and night.
50-year-old Mary:
"I’ve suddenly started sneezing and my nose is running while I’m at work. I don’t have time for anything that takes a while to kick in."
BENADRYL ALLERGY RELIEF could be a great option for quick symptom relief for Mary. It works fast, so she can resume her normal daily activities without having to wait long for the product to start working.
1. Allergy UK. Impact Report 2023/24. Available at: https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/allergy-uk-impact-report-2023-24/
2. Allergy UK. Statistics and figures. 2025. Available at: https://www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/statistics-and-figures/
3. UK Health Security Agency. Health effects of climate change (HECC) in the UK: 2023 report. Chapter 6. Outdoor airborne allergenic pollen and fungal spores. 2023.
Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6570509d3831ec0013c7496e/HECC-report-2023-chapter-6-aeroallergens.pdf
4. NICE. CKS. Allergic rhinitis. 2024. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/allergic-rhinitis/
5. Kenvue. Data on File. 2024
6. NHS. Acrivastine. 2021. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/acrivastine/
7. Benadryl Allergy Relief (P). SmPC. 2020. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3388/smpc/print
8. Benadryl Allergy Relief (GSL). SmPC. 2020. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1473/smpc/print
9. Benadryl Allergy Relief Plus Decongestant Capsules. SmPC. 2024 Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1916/smpc/print
10. Benadryl Allergy Relief (GSL). PIL. 2022. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1473.pdf
11. NHS. Cetirizine. 2025. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/cetirizine/about-cetirizine/
12. Benadryl Allergy One A Day 10mg Tablets. SmPC. 2023. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1710/smpc/print
13. Benadryl Allergy One A Day 10mg Tablets. PIL. 2023. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1710.pdf
14. Day JH, Briscoe M, Widlitz MD. Cetirizine, loratadine, or placebo in subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis: effects after controlled ragweed pollen challenge in an environmental exposure unit. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1998 May;101(5):638-45.
15. Benacort 64 micrograms Nasal Spray. SmPC. 2023. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10205/smpc/print
16. Benacort Hayfever Relief for Adults 64 micrograms, nasal spray. SmPC. 2023. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/12041/smpc/print
17. Benacort Hayfever Relief for Adults 64 micrograms Nasal Spray. PIL. 2021. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12041.pdf
18. Benadryl Allergy Children's 1mg/ml Oral Solution. SmPC. 2023. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3217/smpc/print
19. Benadryl Allergy Children's 6+ 1mg/ml Oral Solution. SmPC. 2023. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1909/smpc/print
20. Benadryl Allergy Natural Relief Nasal Spray. PIL. 2020.
21. NHS. Hay fever. 2024. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/
22. Allergy UK. Hay fever and asthma leaflet. 2025. Available at: https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/hay-fever-and-asthma-leaflet/
Online sources last accessed March 2025.
Content developed by Kenvue working together with CIG Healthcare Partnership. © 2025 CIG Healthcare Partnership
UK-BEN-2025-112440 March 2025