Drug therapy of allergic rhinitis

AUDIENCE This activity is designed for pharmacists, pharmacy directors, man aged care organization, medical directors and administrators, and payers of health services. GOAL To improve treatment in patients with allergic rhinitis by appropriate application of the current literature. OBJECTIVES 1. Discuss key features of allergic rhinitis, including pathophy siology, typical symptoms, and diagnosis. 2. Recommend appropriate drug and nondrug therapy for allergic rhinitis, gi ven adequate patient data. 3. Discuss prescription drug versus nonprediscription drug management of al lergic rhinitis. 4. Review importance of patient education regarding medications for allergi c rhinitis, emphasizing prophylactic value. 5. Discuss the role of the pharmacist in improving the treatment of patient s with allergic rhinitis.