Are there generic versions of allergy and sinus medications?

Most allergy and sinus medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription, are available as generics. For example, many antihistamines and nasal decogestants are available in generic form, for example:

• chlorpheniramine is the generic of Chlor-Trimeton;
• diphenhydramine is the generic of Benadryl;
• loratadine is the generic of Claritin;
• cetirizine is the generic of Zyrtec;
• pseudoephedrine if the generic of Sudafed;
• phenylephrine is the generic of Sudafed PE

However, some newer prescription allergy and sinus medications do not yet have a generic equivalent. For example, Clarinex is the brand medication with active ingredient desloratadine, but desloratadine is not available as a generic yet. If you are taking a brand-name medication for allergy and sinus, you can ask your pharmacist if there is a generic version available.