Medication Therapy
Antihistamines
Antihistamines block histamine, a symptom-causing chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Oral antihistamines ease a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, swelling, and other signs or symptoms of allergies. Because some of these drugs can make you feel drowsy and tired, take them with caution when you need to drive or do other activities that require alertness.
Antihistamines that tend to cause drowsiness include:
- Diphenhydramine
- Chlorpheniramine
These antihistamines are much less likely to cause drowsiness:
- Cetirizine
- Desloratadine
- Fexofenadine
- Levocetirizine
- Loratadine
Nasal sprays
Antihistamine nasal sprays help relieve sneezing, itchy or runny nose, sinus congestion, and postnasal drip. Side effects of antihistamine nasal sprays might include a bitter taste, drowsiness or feeling tired. Prescription antihistamine nasal sprays include:
- Azelastine
- Olopatadine
Eyedrops
Antihistamine eyedropscan ease itchy, red, swollen eyes. These drops might have a combination of antihistamines and other medicines. Side effects might include headache and dry eyes. If antihistamine drops sting or burn, try keeping them in the refrigerator or using refrigerated artificial-tear drops before you use them. Examples include:
- Ketotifen
- Olopatadine
- Pheniramine and naphazoline
Decongestants
Pills and liquids
Oral decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by hay fever (allergic rhinitis). A number of oral allergy medications contain a decongestant and an antihistamine. Examples include:
- Cetiizine and pseudoephedrine
- Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine
- Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine
- Loratadine and pseudoephedrine
Nasal sprays and drops
- Oxymetazoline
- Tetrahydrozoline
Corticosteroids
Steroids, known medically as corticosteroids, can reduce inflammation associate with allergies. They prevent and treat nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and runny nose. They can also decrease inflammation and swelling from other types of allergic reactions. Side effects can include an unpleasant taste, nasal irritation and nosebleeds. Examples include:
- Budesonide
- Fluticasone furoate
- Flutica
Emergency epinephrine shots
Epinephrine shots are used to treat anaphylaxis, a sudden, life-threatening reaction. The drug is administered with a self-injecting syringe and needle device (auto-injector). You might need to carry two auto-injectors if there’s a chance you could have a severe allergic reaction to a certain food, such as peanuts, or if you’re allergic to bee or wasp venom. In some cases, a second injection is sometimes needed. As a result, it’s important to call 911 or get immediate emergency medical care. A health care professional will train you on how to use an epinephrine auto-injector. It’s important to get the type that your doctor prescribes, as the method for injection may differ slightly for each brand. Also, be sure to replace your emergency epinephrine before the expiration date.