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Over-the-counter hay fever medication works just as well as much more expensive prescription medication for seasonal allergies, according to a new study.

The research, published in the Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery, is based on a small sample and focuses exclusively on two specific drugs: a 240-milligram dose of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (sold over the counter under the brand name Sudafed 24 Hour) and a 10-mg dose of montelukast sodium (prescription brand name Singulair). "When we compared them head-to-head, we found that for treatment of allergic rhinitis, these drugs at these doses were virtually identical," said Dr. Fuad Baroody, associate professor of surgery at the University of Chicago and the study's director. "This came as a genuine surprise."

Despite similar results, the drugs work in completely different ways. Pseudoephedrine, designed to treat nasal congestion, constricts vessels within the nasal mucosa. Montelukast, originally designed to treat asthma, reduces leukotrienes, substances released during the allergic response that cause inflammation.

The study included 58 adults with ragweed allergic rhinitis. During ragweed season in Chicago, half received Sudafed, and half Singulair.

Allergic rhinitis, inflammation and congestion of the nasal passages associated with seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, affects about four million Canadians. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and throat and nasal congestion.

Beginning in April, cold and allergy medications that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed, will be sold only in pharmacies. Points of sale are being limited because the active ingredient can be used to make the street drug crystal meth.