![]() ![]() ![]() Prescription antihistamine tablets, such as levocetirizine (Xyzal) and desloratadine (Clarinex), are other options. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine tablets include fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy) over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine syrups are available for children. Prescription antihistamines taken as a nasal spray include azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase). Follow up with your doctor if your symptoms are serious or frequent.Your doctor may direct you to take one of the following medications to improve nasal allergy symptoms:Īntihistamines reduce the production of an immune system chemical that is active in an allergic reaction, and they help relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose. 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. "A long-acting antihistamine, either alone or in combination with a nasal steroid spray, will relieve most people's allergy symptoms," says Dr. Step 3: If your allergy symptoms worsen, see a doctor Not only do the two treat your symptoms differently, nasal decongestant sprays can cause rebound congestion if taken more than three consecutive days. "It can take a few days for a nasal steroid spray to take effect."Ī parting warning about nasal sprays: Don't confuse nasal steroid sprays with nasal decongestants. "However, unlike antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays don't provide quick relief from allergy symptoms," Dr. The good news is that they're also generally safe and well-tolerated. ![]() Hays says that nasal steroid sprays need to be used every day to be effective. "Nasal steroid sprays won't help with all of your allergy symptoms, such as itchy and watery eyes, but they do help with nasal congestion, post-nasal drip and scratchy throat," Dr. Now, there are a few you can buy over-the-counter, including: Until recently, nasal steroid sprays were offered only by prescription. Hays recommends using a nasal steroid spray in addition to taking an antihistamine. You should notice a reduction in your symptoms in just a few hours." Step 2: Add a nasal steroid sprayĪntihistamines can relieve the mild congestion that comes along with most bouts of allergies, but some people may experience more severe congestion. "In addition, they kick in pretty quickly. "One of the main advantages of antihistamines is that they help with the majority, if not all, of your allergy symptoms," Dr. Whether you're buying name-brand or generic, the antihistamine drug name will be mentioned somewhere on the box - typically on the front. Hays recommends taking this type of antihistamine only before bed. Some antihistamine drugs - such as diphenhydramine - are effective, but can make you very drowsy. To find one that meets this criteria, look for the following types of antihistamines: Hays says the best antihistamines are ones that are long-acting and non-sedating. There are two things you need to know when it comes to choosing the right antihistamine. "They need to be taken every day while you're experiencing symptoms, and people with seasonal allergies should proactively take them throughout both the fall and spring allergy seasons." "Antihistamines are really effective for treating allergies," says Dr. Hays says your first line of defense should be antihistamines. Step 1: Take an antihistamine - but choose the right oneĪs soon as allergy symptoms set in, Dr. Hays is here to help you navigate the options you'll find in the allergy medicine aisle. Whether your allergies are seasonal or just a one-time thing, Dr. ![]() "For most people, they're easily treated with over-the-counter allergy medicine." Brad Hays, primary care physician at Houston Methodist. "Allergies occur when things in the air around you, such as pollen and grass, cause your nasal passages to become inflamed," says Dr. To effectively fight allergies, you'll first want to be sure it's indeed allergies, and not a cold, the flu or COVID-19. But after staring at the sea of over-the-counter allergy medicine options, most of us will leave the drug store wondering: Did I even buy the right thing? When allergies strike, you already know the drill: Grab some allergy meds and the softest facial tissue you can find. Then there's you - sneezing and sniffling. ![]()
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