Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesFormatsConsiderationsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Formats
Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s allergy season: You constantly need to blow your nose, your eyes itch, and your head feels like it might explode. On top of all this, you’re not sure how to choose from all the over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicine options.
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.
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Types of Allergy Medication
All allergy medications are not the same. Some are designed to prevent allergies, while others treat certain symptoms.
Antihistamines
Zyrtec (Cetirizine) vs. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
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 that pseudoephedrine works better than phenylephrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed PE. In 2023, an FDA panel also concluded that oral decongestants with phenylephrine are not effective at clearing up congestion at current dosages.
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.
Pataday (olopatadine) eye drop is a mast cell stabilizer and antihistamine used to treat itchy, red eyes due to allergies. 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:
Skin-related allergy symptoms can be treated with OTC corticosteroid creams.
Many healthcare providers recommend corticosteroid nasal spray as the first-line treatment for people with moderate to severe nasal allergy symptoms.
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. Antihistamine pills work best when taken before you’ve been exposed to an allergen.Decongestants can be taken to relieve existing symptoms.
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.
RecapCorticosteroids and decongestants are available in both nasal spray and pill form. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can also be effective against seasonal allergy symptoms.
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. This may be a good choice if you are already experiencing symptoms or if you don’t have time to wait for a pill to take effect.
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 can 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.
RecapLiquid antihistamines are a good choice if you want something faster acting. Eye drops are an effective way to treat itchy, watery eyes.
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, make sure 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.
Summary
Antihistamines, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, and corticosteroids can all help treat or prevent seasonal allergies. Antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers tend to work best for prevention, while decongestants and corticosteroids can help relieve existing symptoms.
Allergy medication can be purchased as pills,nasal spray, liquid, or eye drops. Make sure you pay attention to the ingredients, especially with combination products. That way you won’t take too much of any one medication.
What Are My Allergy Treatment Options?
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked QuestionsA 2013 meta-analysis of more than 92,000 patients found that Xyzal(levocetirizine) worked better than Allegra (fexofenadine) and the prescription drug Clarinex (desloratadine).Antihistamines tend to be better at preventing allergy symptoms than relieving them. For best results, take antihistamines daily as directed during allergy seasonA 2013 study found that Astepro nasal spray worked faster than oral Zyrtec and Claritin. Astepro started to provide relief after only 15 minutes, while Zyrtec and Claritin took 60 and 75 minutes, respectively.In general, antihistamine nasal sprays also work faster than corticosteroid nasal sprays.Zyrtec and Allegra are both effective at treating sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, and throat. Some studies have found that Zyrtec lasts longer than Allegra.However, Zyrtec is also more likely to make you drowsy.
A 2013 meta-analysis of more than 92,000 patients found that Xyzal(levocetirizine) worked better than Allegra (fexofenadine) and the prescription drug Clarinex (desloratadine).Antihistamines tend to be better at preventing allergy symptoms than relieving them. For best results, take antihistamines daily as directed during allergy season
A 2013 study found that Astepro nasal spray worked faster than oral Zyrtec and Claritin. Astepro started to provide relief after only 15 minutes, while Zyrtec and Claritin took 60 and 75 minutes, respectively.In general, antihistamine nasal sprays also work faster than corticosteroid nasal sprays.
Zyrtec and Allegra are both effective at treating sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, and throat. Some studies have found that Zyrtec lasts longer than Allegra.However, Zyrtec is also more likely to make you drowsy.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hoyte FCL, Nelson HS.Recent advances in allergic rhinitis.F1000Res. 2018;7. doi:10.12688/f1000research.15367.1Randall KL, Hawkins CA.Antihistamines and allergy.Aust Prescr. 2018;41(2):41-45. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2018.013May JR, Dolen WK.Management of allergic rhinitis: a review for the community pharmacist.Clin Ther. 2017;39(12):2410-2419. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.10.006.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Pseudoephedrine.Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.Terrie YC.Finding relief: allergic rhinitis.Pharmacy Times. 2013;79(4)Licari A, Ciprandi G, Marseglia A, et al.Current recommendations and emerging options for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2014;10(10):1337-47. doi:10.1586/1744666X.2014.955476U.S. National Library of Medicine.Pseudoephedrine.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Use caution when giving cough and cold products to kids.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?.Mösges R, König V, Köberlein J.The effectiveness of modern antihistamines for treatment of allergic rhinitis-an IPD meta-analysis of 140,853 patients.Allergol Int. 2013;62(2):215-22. doi:10.2332/allergolint.12-OA-0486Ellis AK, Zhu Y, Steacy LM, Walker T, Day JH.A four-way, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study to determine the efficacy and speed of azelastine nasal spray, versus loratadine, and cetirizine in adult subjects with allergen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013;9(1):1-0. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-9-16Krishnakumar D, Faizal B, Nair AS.Comparison of the effects of azelastine and fluticasone nasal sprays in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021:1-6. doi:10.1007/s12070-021-02686-7Huang CZ, Jiang ZH, Wang J, Luo Y, Peng H.Antihistamine effects and safety of fexofenadine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2019;20(1):1-8. doi:10.1186/s40360-019-0363-1
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hoyte FCL, Nelson HS.Recent advances in allergic rhinitis.F1000Res. 2018;7. doi:10.12688/f1000research.15367.1Randall KL, Hawkins CA.Antihistamines and allergy.Aust Prescr. 2018;41(2):41-45. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2018.013May JR, Dolen WK.Management of allergic rhinitis: a review for the community pharmacist.Clin Ther. 2017;39(12):2410-2419. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.10.006.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Pseudoephedrine.Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.Terrie YC.Finding relief: allergic rhinitis.Pharmacy Times. 2013;79(4)Licari A, Ciprandi G, Marseglia A, et al.Current recommendations and emerging options for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2014;10(10):1337-47. doi:10.1586/1744666X.2014.955476U.S. National Library of Medicine.Pseudoephedrine.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Use caution when giving cough and cold products to kids.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?.Mösges R, König V, Köberlein J.The effectiveness of modern antihistamines for treatment of allergic rhinitis-an IPD meta-analysis of 140,853 patients.Allergol Int. 2013;62(2):215-22. doi:10.2332/allergolint.12-OA-0486Ellis AK, Zhu Y, Steacy LM, Walker T, Day JH.A four-way, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study to determine the efficacy and speed of azelastine nasal spray, versus loratadine, and cetirizine in adult subjects with allergen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013;9(1):1-0. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-9-16Krishnakumar D, Faizal B, Nair AS.Comparison of the effects of azelastine and fluticasone nasal sprays in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021:1-6. doi:10.1007/s12070-021-02686-7Huang CZ, Jiang ZH, Wang J, Luo Y, Peng H.Antihistamine effects and safety of fexofenadine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2019;20(1):1-8. doi:10.1186/s40360-019-0363-1
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hoyte FCL, Nelson HS.Recent advances in allergic rhinitis.F1000Res. 2018;7. doi:10.12688/f1000research.15367.1Randall KL, Hawkins CA.Antihistamines and allergy.Aust Prescr. 2018;41(2):41-45. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2018.013May JR, Dolen WK.Management of allergic rhinitis: a review for the community pharmacist.Clin Ther. 2017;39(12):2410-2419. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.10.006.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Pseudoephedrine.Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.Terrie YC.Finding relief: allergic rhinitis.Pharmacy Times. 2013;79(4)Licari A, Ciprandi G, Marseglia A, et al.Current recommendations and emerging options for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2014;10(10):1337-47. doi:10.1586/1744666X.2014.955476U.S. National Library of Medicine.Pseudoephedrine.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Use caution when giving cough and cold products to kids.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?.Mösges R, König V, Köberlein J.The effectiveness of modern antihistamines for treatment of allergic rhinitis-an IPD meta-analysis of 140,853 patients.Allergol Int. 2013;62(2):215-22. doi:10.2332/allergolint.12-OA-0486Ellis AK, Zhu Y, Steacy LM, Walker T, Day JH.A four-way, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study to determine the efficacy and speed of azelastine nasal spray, versus loratadine, and cetirizine in adult subjects with allergen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013;9(1):1-0. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-9-16Krishnakumar D, Faizal B, Nair AS.Comparison of the effects of azelastine and fluticasone nasal sprays in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021:1-6. doi:10.1007/s12070-021-02686-7Huang CZ, Jiang ZH, Wang J, Luo Y, Peng H.Antihistamine effects and safety of fexofenadine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2019;20(1):1-8. doi:10.1186/s40360-019-0363-1
Hoyte FCL, Nelson HS.Recent advances in allergic rhinitis.F1000Res. 2018;7. doi:10.12688/f1000research.15367.1
Randall KL, Hawkins CA.Antihistamines and allergy.Aust Prescr. 2018;41(2):41-45. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2018.013
May JR, Dolen WK.Management of allergic rhinitis: a review for the community pharmacist.Clin Ther. 2017;39(12):2410-2419. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.10.006.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Pseudoephedrine.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.
Terrie YC.Finding relief: allergic rhinitis.Pharmacy Times. 2013;79(4)
Licari A, Ciprandi G, Marseglia A, et al.Current recommendations and emerging options for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2014;10(10):1337-47. doi:10.1586/1744666X.2014.955476
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Use caution when giving cough and cold products to kids.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?.
Mösges R, König V, Köberlein J.The effectiveness of modern antihistamines for treatment of allergic rhinitis-an IPD meta-analysis of 140,853 patients.Allergol Int. 2013;62(2):215-22. doi:10.2332/allergolint.12-OA-0486
Ellis AK, Zhu Y, Steacy LM, Walker T, Day JH.A four-way, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study to determine the efficacy and speed of azelastine nasal spray, versus loratadine, and cetirizine in adult subjects with allergen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013;9(1):1-0. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-9-16
Krishnakumar D, Faizal B, Nair AS.Comparison of the effects of azelastine and fluticasone nasal sprays in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021:1-6. doi:10.1007/s12070-021-02686-7
Huang CZ, Jiang ZH, Wang J, Luo Y, Peng H.Antihistamine effects and safety of fexofenadine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2019;20(1):1-8. doi:10.1186/s40360-019-0363-1
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