Allergy Medications

Allergy symptoms can often be relieved through the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications and nasal sprays. Medical therapy provides short-term relief and may be a solution for seasonal allergies or those whose symptoms are not severe.

If your symptoms do not improve with the use of medications, you should consult with an ENT or allergist over alternative treatments such as immunotherapy.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are often the go-to drug for treating allergy symptoms. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical produced by the immune system that is responsible for many common allergy symptoms, including runny nose, stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes.

Antihistamines are available in tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops. Certain formulas may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness and nausea. Popular antihistamines include:

• Allegra
• Benadryl
• Claritin
• Chlor-Trimeton
• Tavist
• Zyrtec
• Clarinex
• Xyzal

Decongestants

When your allergy symptoms include a stuffed-up nose, you’re better off using a decongestant for relief. Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues that line the nose. They can be found in pills, liquids, nasal sprays and nose drops and are available over-the-counter or by prescription.

Decongestants may increase anxiety or cause sleeping difficulty. If you have a medical condition such as glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disorder, diabetes or enlarged prostate, consult with a doctor before using. Common decongestants include:

• Afrin
• Dristan
• Sudafed
• Suphedrin

Many allergy medications combine antihistamines with decongestants. These include:

• Allegra-D
• Claritin-D
• Tavist-D

Nasal Corticosteroids

Nasal corticosteroids are nasal sprays that help to reduce inflammation of the nasal lining associated with allergies. They can be extremely effective at relieving symptoms, but may cause nosebleeds, nasal dryness and sore throat. Nasal corticosteroids are generally safe to use long-term. They are usually available by prescription only. Common brands include:

• Flonase
• Nasonex
• Nasacort
• Rhinocort

Decongestant Nasal Sprays

Decongestant nasal sprays are generally available over-the-counter. They provide short-term relief from nasal allergy symptoms but wear off quickly. Overuse can lead to a “rebound effect” in which symptoms worsen. Patients are advised not to use decongestant nasal sprays for longer than three days. Popular brands include:

• Afrin
• Dristan
• Vicks Sinex

Allergy Eye Drops

Allergy eye drops help relieve the symptoms of eye allergies. If you are experiencing itchy or watery eyes, a burning sensation in the eyes, redness and swelling, you can benefit from either over-the-counter or prescription eye drops.

They are available in several different types, including antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, decongestants and mast cell stabilizers. Some of the more common brands include:

• Clear Eyes
• Visine
• Refresh
• Claritin Eye
• Alamast
• Opcon-A

Mast Cell Inhibitors

Mast cell inhibitors are medications that prevent allergy symptoms such as a runny nose or itchy, watery eyes from occurring. They work by preventing the immune system from releasing histamines in response to allergens such as pollen.

Mast cell inhibitors are available in the form of nasal sprays and eye drops. They should be taken a week or two before the start of allergy season and daily for its duration.