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Types of over-the-counter allergy medicine

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TypesAntihistaminesDecongestantsContacting a doctorPrescription allergy medicationsSummary
Medically reviewed by Ami Patel PharmD, BCPS
Written by Charlotte Parker
Updated on

OTC allergy medications come in various forms, such as pills, nasal sprays, and eye drops.

Understanding the different types, like antihistamines and decongestants, and learning how they work can help you make informed decisions about which product is right for you.

Types of OTC allergy medicine

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Photography by Zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images

There is no one-size-fits-all allergy medication, as their effectiveness can vary from person to person. Here are some types that are available OTC:

  • Antihistamines: Antihistamines ease symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny nose by blocking the cell-produced compound histamine that your body releases during allergic reactions.
  • Decongestants: These medications offer short-term relief from nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels and easing stuffiness and sinus pressure. It is important to note that prolonged use of decongestants can worsen congestion and increase side effects.
  • Nasal corticosteroids: These can reduce inflammation in nasal passages, relieving congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose for seasonal or year-round allergies.
  • Mast cell stabilizers: Mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances. They relieve congestion, itching, and eye irritation.
  • Combination medications: These combine antihistamines with decongestants to relieve multiple symptoms.

Choosing the right type of medication is essential for your specific symptoms and medical history.

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Antihistamines

Antihistamines block histamine, relieving symptoms like sneezing and itching.

First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), may cause side effects like drowsiness.

Second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness but can still lead to side effects such as dry mouth and headaches.

Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial when taking other medications. This is because antihistamines can interact with some medications. Examples include ketoconazole, which treats fungal infections, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which treat depression. Alcohol and central nervous system depressants, like sedatives or tranquilizers, can also interact with antihistamines.

The table below details some common antihistamines.

NameDosageWho it’s for
loratadine (Claritin)10 milligrams (mg) once daily for adults and children over 6 years old.Adults and children over 6 years with allergies.

Not recommended for children under 6 years without a doctor’s advice.
cetirizine (Zyrtec)10 mg once daily for adults and children over 6 years old.Adults and children over 6 years with allergies.

Not recommended for children under 6 years without a doctor’s advice.
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)Adults and children over 12: 25–50 mg every 4–6 hours.

Children ages 6–12: 12.5–25 mg every 4–6 hours.
Adults and children over 6 years with allergies.

Do not use in children under 6 years.
fexofenadine (Allegra)Adults and children over 12: 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily.Adults and children over 6 years with allergies.

Do not use in children under 12 years.
fexofenadine (Children’s Allegra)Children ages 6–11 years: 30 mg twice daily.Do not use in children under 6 years.

Decongestants

Decongestants work by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion, and making it easier to breathe.

They are only suitable for short-term use due to the risk of rebound congestion with extended use. This causes further irritation to your nasal lining.

Common side effects of decongestants include:

  • increased heart rate
  • raised blood pressure
  • insomnia
  • nervousness

Decongestants can interact with drugs like MAOIs and some other antidepressants, so it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional if you’re taking other medications.

The following table details some common decongestants.

NameDosageWho it’s for
pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)1 120 mg extended-release tablet every 12 hours.Adults and children over 12 years with nasal congestion due to allergies or colds.
diphenhydramine hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride (Sudafed PE)10 mg every 4 hours for adults and children over 12 years.Adults and children over 12 years with nasal congestion due to allergies or colds.

Note: May not be sufficiently effective.
oxymetazoline (Afrin)Adults and children over 6 years: 2–3 sprays in each nostril every 10–12 hours.

Do not use for more than 3 days.
Adults and children over 6 years with nasal congestion due to allergies or colds.

Always follow the recommended dosage and usage instructions on the product label. If you have questions or concerns about which allergy medication is right for you, contact a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Learn more about the types of OTC medications you can discuss with a pharmacist.

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When to contact a doctor for allergies

It is a good idea to contact a doctor or healthcare professional if you experience any of the following alongside your allergies:

  • Severe or persistent symptoms: Even with OTC medications, if you have severe or persistent symptoms or flare-ups that disrupt your work, school, or daily tasks, consider consulting your primary care doctor or allergy specialist.
  • Difficulty managing symptoms: If OTC medications are ineffective or you get severe flare-ups, consider consulting a doctor.
  • New or worsening symptoms: Consult a healthcare professional for new or worsening allergy symptoms.
  • Allergic reactions: Seek immediate medical attention for severe reactions like difficulty breathing or swelling.

Remember, a healthcare professional can provide advice and treatment options tailored to your allergy symptoms and medical history.

Prescription allergy medications

If OTC medications are not easing your symptoms, a doctor can prescribe options that are not available OTC. These include:

  • Leukotriene receptor antagonists: Doctors often prescribe these medications for unmanaged symptoms or coexisting conditions. One example is montelukast (Singulair).
  • Prescription antihistamines: These medications block histamine action and include desloratadine (Clarinex).
  • Immunotherapy: This involves regular exposure to small allergen doses to desensitize your immune system.

Summary

Knowing the available allergy medication options and how they work, as well as their risks and side effects, can help you make informed treatment decisions.

Remember to read the labels carefully, follow dosage instructions, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. Pharmacists can also guide you on which OTC medications may suit you based on your symptoms.

Finding the right OTC allergy medication for you could offer relief from sneezing, itching, and congestion and allow you to enjoy each day with greater comfort and vitality.

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