Zyrtec's claim to fame is that it is good for a broad spectrum of allergens, both indoor & outdoor. It is less sedating than benadryl, but does cause sedation in some people.
Some OTCs for simple nasal stuffiness due to allergy are Claritin (fewer side effects than Zyrtec), or even simple saline nose sprays that wash out the allergens & thin the mucosal secretions, alleviating stuffiness. Nasalcrom (cromolyn sodium) is a nasal spray used before contact w/allergens; it binds up the mast cells in the nose preventing histamine release & stuffiness.
The herb butterbur, in standardized extract, has been found as effective as Zyrtec for seasonal allergies, and has a lower side-effect profile.
Best wishes.
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