This article will provide some pointers on how to choose the right allergy medication.
It also discusses the different types and forms of allergy medication.
Types of Allergy Medication
All allergy medications are not the same.
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Some are designed to prevent allergies, while others treat certain symptoms.
First generation antihistamines like Benadryl and chlorpheniramine tend to cause drowsiness.
Decongestants
Decongestantsconstrict nasal blood vessels, which reduces swollen tissue.
This helps you breathe better.
Even though it does not require a prescription, OTC pseudoephedrine is kept behind the counter.
This is because it can be used to make the illegal drug methamphetamine.
Before buying this medicine, you must first speak to a pharmacist to register your purchase.
Several studies have found thatpseudoephedrine works better than phenylephrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed PE.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium) differs from antihistamines in that it stabilizes mast cells.
This prevents the allergic response that releases histamine.Cromolynis available as either a nasal spray or eye drops.
Cromolyn prevents swelling but doesn’t reduce it.
The nasal spray can be used four times a day.
NasalCrom nasal spray is available OTC.
Cromolyn eye drops are only available by prescription.
Pataday comes in a once or twice a day formula.
Pataday 0.2% is once daily and Pataday 0.1% is twice daily for children 2 years and older.
An extra-strength formula (0.7%) is also available OTC.
Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroid spraybrands include:
They work by reducing inflammation because of allergies.
These medicines can be used long-term without causing rebound nasal congestion.
Skin-related allergy symptoms can be treated with OTC corticosteroid creams.
Combination Drugs
Many OTC remedies, such as Zyrtec-D (cetirizine-pseudoephedrine), combine antihistamines and decongestants.
Some also include pain relievers, such as Tylenol Allergy Multi-Symptom (acetaminophen/diphenhydramine and phenylephrine).
These products should be used in conjunction with advice from your healthcare provider.
Allergy Medicine Formats
Allergy medicines are available in several different formats.
Some can be purchased over the counter, while others require a prescription.
Pills
Antihistamines and decongestants are commonly available in pill form.
Pay attention to product labeling.
Antihistamine and allergy products labeled “-D” are typically an antihistamine combined with a decongestant.
Nasal Spray
Decongestants and corticosteroids are available as nasal sprays.
Nasal spray decongestants tend to work faster than pills but may lead to rebound symptoms if they are overused.
Corticosteroidnasal sprays like Flonasecan relieve nasal symptoms as well as itchy, watery eyes.
Like antihistamine pills, they work best when used before exposure to an allergen.
Recap
Corticosteroids and decongestants are available in both nasal spray and pill form.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays can also be effective against seasonal allergy symptoms.
Liquid
Liquid antihistamines may be absorbed faster than pills.
Liquid antihistamines may also be easier for children to take.
Always buy children’s forms and check the label for dosage information.
Eye Drops
Eye drops can help relieve itchy eyes associated with eye allergies.
Some can be purchased OTC while others are only available with a prescription.
Antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers are available as eye drops.
you’ve got the option to also purchase anti-inflammatory eye drops.
Antihistamine eye drops tend to be short-lasting and can make your eyes feel dry.
Mast cell stabilizers like Cromolyn should be used before you’ve been exposed to an allergen.
Liquid antihistamines are a good choice if you want something faster acting.
Eye drops are an effective way to treat itchy, watery eyes.
Things to Consider
Before using combination drugs, verify you know what’s in them.
Taking these drugs with other products that contain the same ingredients can be dangerous.
Decongestants and certain antihistamines should not be given to children under the age of four.
Talk to your child’s pediatrician about how best to treat your child’s allergy symptoms.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using allergy medication.
Some antihistamines are thought to be safe during pregnancy, but others may carry risks.
Pseudoephedrine should not be used at all in the first trimester.
Allergy medication can be purchased as pills,nasal spray, liquid, or eye drops.
verify you pay attention to the ingredients, especially with combination products.
That way you won’t take too much of any one medication.
A Word From Verywell
Seasonal allergies can interfere with your quality of life.
It’s always best to prevent your allergy symptoms rather than attempt to treat them when they happen.
Daily use of an antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer during allergy season can help keep you symptom free.
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