Allergies are seldom easy to tame. Many allergens, from pollen to dust mites, are tough to avoid altogether, even if you stay indoors as much as possible during allergy season. The good news? A massive variety of over-the-counter allergy medication is now readily available to help with everything from runny noses triggered by pet dander to sinus headaches caused by seasonal allergies.
Not sure where to start when it comes to allergy meds? That means these allergy pills are less likely to cause drowsiness than older drugs like diphenhydramine Benadryl , while still relieving frustrating allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. So, what should you get? Everyone and their needs are a little different, but allergists say these OTC allergy medicines tend to be best.
Zyrtec, aka cetirizine hydrochloride, consistently offers up relief in the form of a tiny, easy-to-swallow pill. The tablets work fast and keep on delivering all day. Just note: It's important to take it every day in order for the medication to be as effective as possible. Both Dr. Li and Dr. Parikh say that Allegra—or its generic form, fexofenadine—is a winner. Flonase is a steroid nasal spray that helps keep your body from overreacting to allergens like pollen.
Just use one or two sprays in each nostril daily. Li recommends combining it with Allegra for maximum benefits. Unfortunately, kids aren't spared from allergy season. Parikh says an OTC medication like Claritin for kids works great. It's not a bad idea to check in with your child's pediatrician first, though, just to make sure it won't interact with any other medications they may be taking.
Just like antihistamines, Dr. Hays says that nasal steroid sprays need to be used every day to be effective. The good news is that they're also generally safe and well-tolerated. Hays says.
If you're taking over-the-counter allergy medicines and your symptoms continue or worsen, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as chronic sinus infections or sinus polyps.
Follow up with your doctor if your symptoms are serious or frequent. The symptoms of allergies include: Itchy, watery eyes Nasal congestion Runny nose Sneezing Scratchy throat "Allergies occur when things in the air around you, such as pollen and grass, cause your nasal passages to become inflamed," says Dr.
Step 1: Take an antihistamine — but choose the right one As soon as allergy symptoms set in, Dr. To find one that meets this criteria, look for the following types of antihistamines: Cetirizine Fexofenadine Levocetirizine Loratadine Some antihistamine drugs — such as diphenhydramine — are effective, but can make you very drowsy. Claritin is broken down in the liver by enzymes that other drugs can inhibit. This may lead to Claritin building up in the body, which increases the risk of side effects.
Everyone reacts to medications differently, but Claritin and Zyrtec may have the following side effects:. Some people experience a severe allergic response called anaphylaxis after taking antihistamines. A person should seek emergency medical attention if any of the following symptoms are present:. Some antihistamines are safe for children, but it is a good idea to talk with a doctor or check the label carefully before giving antihistamines to a child.
In , a review found that some antihistamines may be problematic during pregnancy. However, the authors noted that there was no evidence linking cetirizine or loratidine to birth defects. A study published in noted that 10—15 percent of women use antihistamines during pregnancy. Most appear to be safe, but some may have adverse effects.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC urge people to ask a doctor before using an antihistamine or any other drug during pregnancy. Claritin and Zyrtec are popular over-the-counter antihistamines.
Doctors consider them safe and effective treatments for minor allergies. Both are second-generation antihistamines. These cause less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines. No research has concluded that Zyrtec or Claritin is more effective, but some people report better responses with one or the other. The slight differences between the two may make one drug more appropriate for some people.
People can purchase Zyrtec, Claritin, and other popular brands without a prescription from supermarkets, pharmacies, and online stores. Various treatments and strategies can help keep allergies at bay, including allergy shots. These injections help a person get used to an allergen over….
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