A Scottsdale mom recently came to an ENT appointment feeling frustrated and unwell—despite taking multiple over-the-counter allergy medications.

She brought a bag full of medications with her to her appointment. When reviewing her routine with our staff, she said she thought she was doing everything right. She was taking as many as 10 medications daily.—and to her surprise, she was using two medications with the same active ingredient under different brand names.

While she was taking steps to keep her allergies under control at home, she was making some potentially harmful mistakes. Many ENT specialists encounter similar cases where patients unintentionally take overlapping allergy medications.

Individual results and experiences may vary.

The Medication List in Question

The Scottsdale mom’s list of medications included familiar categories many Scottsdale patients rely on, including:

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Nasal sprays
• Mucus thinners
• Combination cold and flu products

When asked what she was taking daily, she listed:

• Claritin
• Alavert-D
• Flonase
• Mucinex

At night, she sometimes added NyQuil, and when discomfort persisted, she used Motrin as well.

Why it’s Easy to Overlap Allergy Medications—and How This Can Backfire

OTC allergy medications are marketed under many brand names, even when the active ingredients are identical. For people with busy schedules, like this Scottsdale mom, it’s easy to add a new medication when symptoms persist—and without realizing it overlaps with what’s already being taken.

For many people, this leads to:

• Taking duplicate medications unknowingly
• Increasing doses without better relief
• Experiencing increased side effects, which can mimic allergy symptoms
• Drying out nasal passages
• Worsening congestion
• Masking underlying sinus disease
• May pose potential health risks

Many Scottsdale residents go to search for “the best ENT near me” only after realizing their OTC medications aren’t helping—or may be making symptoms worse.

Q&A Recap

Q: Is it dangerous to take multiple allergy medications at once?
A: Yes, it can be. Many OTC medications contain the same active ingredients, which can lead to duplicate dosing, side effects, and reduced effectiveness.

Q: Why do my allergy symptoms persist even with medication?
A: Persistent symptoms may be caused by chronic sinus inflammation, structural issues, or incorrect medication use rather than allergies alone.

Q: How do I know if I’m taking duplicate medications?
A: Check the active ingredients on labels. Different brand names often contain the same drugs. Ask your pharmacist. An ENT can also help review medications safely.

Q: When should I see an ENT instead of using OTC meds?
A: If you’re relying on multiple medications daily and still feel congested or unwell, an ENT near you in Scottsdale can help identify the root cause.

Scheduling with a Scottsdale ENT

If you rely on multiple medications and still feel unwell, an ENT can help you develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs and may reduce unnecessary medications. At Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center, our team of experts can review your current allergy management system and share recommendations on how to correct and streamline your routine. Reach out to us today for an evaluation.