Which nasal spray would be considered the most appropriate non-sedating option for a student with hay fever seeking relief?

• A. Fluticasone nasal spray
• B. Diphenhydramine nasal spray
• C. Loratadine oral tablets
• D. Pseudoephedrine tablets

Answer: (A)

Non-sedating and most effective for nasal inflammation is an intranasal corticosteroid spray. It treats the underlying allergic rhinitis by reducing nasal mucosa inflammation, which lowers sneezing, itching, and congestion, and it does so with minimal systemic absorption, so sedation is unlikely. In contrast, a sedating antihistamine nasal spray would cause drowsiness, an oral non-sedating antihistamine isn’t a nasal spray and won’t directly target the nasal lining as effectively, and a systemic decongestant can cause jitteriness and sleep disturbances without addressing the inflammatory process. So the nasal corticosteroid spray is the best fit for relief without sedation.