Any effective otc alternatives to oral antihistamines?

Antihistamine picks: To answer this we need to know what symptom you want the antihistamine to treat. If you want to stop itching, oral steroids can be used, they are very strong and work well but have loads of side effects and dangers. For a runny nose from allergies, nasal antihistamine or corticosteroid sprays are more effective; montelukast can also be tried. None of these are otc, though.

Yes : For nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis try nasalcrom, an otc nonsteroidal nasal spray. Nasalcrom contains cromolyn, a purified but unaltered herb from the khella plant (ammi visnaga). See the photo. For itching there are plenty of topical creams and lotions that provide temporary relief. Sarna lotion is one such product. You can't beat otc antihistamines like Allegra for safety, efficacy or cost.