Allergic rhinitis can be classified as seasonal, perennial, or episodic. It is often associated with allergic conjunctivitis, rhinosinusitis, and asthma.

H₁-ANTIHISTAMINES — Oral – Oral second-generation H₁-antihistamines are the preferred first-line treatment for relief of the itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea that characterize mild-to-moderate allergic rhinitis. They are less effective for nasal congestion.

The FDA issued a public health advisory on March 10, 2005 warning about a risk of cancer with topical formulations of tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) used to treat eczema in adults and children more than 2 years old. Elidel has been heavily promoted to the general public on television. The warning was based on reports of dose-related cancer in animals and 29 reports of cancer (including 8 skin malignancies and 12 lymphomas) in adults and children treated with these immunosuppressive drugs. Cause and effect have not been established. When Protopic was first marketed, The Medical Letter warned that the possibility of an increased risk of skin malignancies and lymphoma should be kept in mind (Med Lett Drugs Ther 2001; 43:33).