What Are The Best Over The Counter Allergy Medicine

The Cost Of Otc Allergy Medicine

OTC allergy medications vary significantly in price, according to our analysis. Costs ranged from around 25 cents for an antihistamine tablet to nearly $20 for a months supply of nasal spray.

Our Best OTC Allergy Medications for Adults and Children ranking didnt include the vast number of generic versions with the same active ingredients as many brand name products. Generic products are held to the same FDA regulations as brand name products, making them just as effective as their brand name counterparts but at a lower price.

If you find that Claritin, for example, is an antihistamine that works for you, you may want to consider a generic version of loratadine as a more affordable alternative.

Take An Antihistamine But Choose The Right One

As soon as allergy symptoms set in, Dr. Hays says your first line of defense should be antihistamines.

“Antihistamines are really effective for treating allergies,” says Dr. Hays. “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.”

There are two things you need to know when it comes to choosing the right antihistamine. Dr. Hays says the best antihistamines are ones that are long-acting and non-sedating. To find one that meets this criteria, look for the following types of antihistamines:

Some antihistamine drugs such as diphenhydramine are effective, but can make you very drowsy. Dr. Hays recommends taking this type of antihistamine only before bed.

Whether you’re buying name-brand or generic, the antihistamine drug name will be mentioned somewhere on the box typically on the front.

“One of the main advantages of antihistamines is that they help with the majority, if not all, of your allergy symptoms,” Dr. Hays explains. “In addition, they kick in pretty quickly. You should notice a reduction in your symptoms in just a few hours.”

Which Allergy Medicine Should I Take

When determining which type of OTC allergy medication is right for you, consider your worst allergy symptoms.

There is a lot of crossover among the different categories, but in the most simple terms, antihistamines are best for itchy, sneezy noses and help itchy eyes, says Dr. Passer. Nasal sprays are best for congestion and post nasal drainage, but help itch quite a bit, too, and decongestants help with congestion. OTC eye drops are best for eye symptoms.

I dont think there is any differentiation between the medication categories for pollen versus, say, indoor allergens like dust or dog dander, she adds. It really is all the same process in the bodyit just comes from different sources.

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Combination Antihistamine And Decongestant

There are also medications that combine both antihistamines and decongestants. These are also typically available through the pharmacist or by prescription and not over the counter. You can recognize which medications are a combination because the name is followed by a -D. These include:

• Cetirizine/pseudoephedrine
• Loratadine/pseudoephedrine

Side Effects Of Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is well tolerated, and most people do well with it. The rare side effects of allergy shots include redness, inflammation or irritation at the site of injection, with occasional allergic reaction to the allergy shot. There are no reported side effects or issues from the use of allergy drops. If you are interested in taking the easiest route to a long-term solution with no side effects, schedule an appointment with us to begin the process of allergy drop treatment.

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Steer Clear Of Sedating Meds

Dr. Kalra says that there are two main types of oral antihistamines used to control allergies: first- and second-generation H1 antagonists, which work to block histamine when it’s released in your body. Histamine is what causes typical allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing and runny nose, so blocking it can help reduce those symptoms.

Even though all antihistamines work the same way, there are differences between first- and second-generation meds.

First-generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are sedating medications . Because of their side effects, Dr. Kalra recommends avoiding regular use of any first-generation medications. Instead, choose second-generation meds like Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin and Xyzal, which can be taken every day.

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How Do Decongestants Work

During an allergic reaction, tissues in your nose may swell in response to contact with the allergen. That swelling makes fluid and mucus. Blood vessels in the eyes can also swell, causing redness. Decongestants work by shrinking swollen nasal tissues and blood vessels, relieving the symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion, mucus secretion, and redness.

How Do Antihistamines Work

When you are exposed to an allergen — for example, ragweed pollen — it triggers your immune system. People with allergies have an exaggerated immune response. Immune system cells known as “mast cells” release a substance called histamine, which attaches to receptors in blood vessels, causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching, and changes in secretions. By blocking histamine and keeping it from binding to receptors, antihistamines prevent these symptoms.

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Sudafed: Best For Improving Congestion

Sudafed is a decongestant that can help improve breathing by relieving stuffiness, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure. Sudafedâs active ingredient, phenylephrine, aids in relieving congestion by fighting the swelling of the blood vessels in the area.

Sudafed can be taken every four hours. However, decongestants, in general, should not be taken long-term. To avoid misuse of the medication, Sudafed may be kept behind the counter at pharmacies. For most states, though, you will not need a prescription to receive Sudafed.

If you have a heart condition, you should not use Sudafed. Common side effects that come with taking Sudafed include nervousness, nausea, weakness, and fast breathing,

What Should I Do When Otc Allergy Medicine Doesnt Work

Most allergy medicine is now available over the counter . However, several nasal sprays are available by prescription only. These include Astepro , Dymista , and Nasonex . Flonase is available in prescription and OTC versions.

OTC medications are often sufficient to treat allergy symptoms, but if your symptoms are not relieved by OTC meds, check with your healthcare provider to see if a prescription medication may be right for you.

If you have asthma and allergies, there are a variety of treatments available by prescription to alleviate both, including inhalers or oral medication such as Singulair .

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Types Of Allergy Medicine

OTC allergy medications use a variety of methods to fight symptoms. Three of the most common OTC allergy medication types are:

• Corticosteroids: This type of OTC allergy medication works by preventing swelling and inflammation. Its applied via nasal spray, treating nasal allergies. Corticosteroids are Dr. Passers preferred format of OTC allergy medicationwhile they mainly help with congestion and post nasal drainage, they can also help with itching and sneezing, she says.These work by soothing the sensitive tissue in your sinuses by coating them with the best anti-inflammatory medication, says Dr. Passer. Therefore, when you are exposed to allergens, those tissues remain calm, cool and collected and dont have the over-exaggerated response of swelling and producing lots of mucus.Indeed, one study confirms corticosteroids are superior to antihistamines when it comes to treating allergies. In the study, 88 patients with ragweed allergies received either a corticosteroid or an antihistamine. After four weeks, the steroid nasal spray group reported far fewer allergy symptoms than the antihistamine groupSteroids More Effective Than Antihistamines When Used As Needed For Allergies. University Of Chicago Medical Center. Accessed 05/13/2021. .

Types Of Otc Nasal Sprays

OTC nasal sprays can be categorized by their active ingredients .

• Steroid. OTC steroid nasal sprays are mean to reduce inflammation. Thats why theyre recommended for treating allergies and chronic sinusitis. The steroid sprays may contain budesonide or fluticasone.
• Antihistamine. Antihistamine sprays are meant to blunt the impact of an allergen that your body is reacting to. These products are mostly recommended for allergies. Active antihistamine ingredients in nasal sprays are azelastine or olopatadine.
• Nasal decongestant. These types of sprays aim to shrink irritated blood vessels that line your nose, reducing inflammation to help you breathe more easily. Ingredients may include oxymetazoline hydrochloride or phenylephrine hydrochloride.
• Saline. Saline sprays dont contain active ingredients, but they can loosen mucus and help you to breathe more easily.

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Flonase Sensimist 24hour Allergy Relief Nasal Spray

If youre wary of nasal sprays, Flonase Sensimist might be a good option for you. After all, its one of the more gentle versions on the market. Sensimist is also scent-free and practically drip-free as well. Similar to the regular Flonase product, this spray also blocks six inflammatory substances . Hence, it does a great job combatting nasal congestion and sneezing along with itchy, watery eyes, and noses. Even better, Sensimist is also non-drowsy and provides 24-hour relief.

Best For Treating Itching And Nasal Allergies

Antihistamines are a type of allergy medicine that help treat allergies by targeting and blocking histamine, which is the chemical substance your body releases when exposed to an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander. Most people use an antihistamine for basic allergies and all-day relief. In fact, your childs pediatrician may even recommend an antihistamine for your childs rash. Allergy medicines like antihistamine treatments can take the form of pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. Once antihistamine medications are in your bloodstream, they can quickly reduce other symptoms caused by allergens and prevent the release of histamines in the first place.Taking allergy medicines like antihistamines before or during exposure to an allergen can help limit and even prevent your allergy issues. Antihistamine pills can offer 24-hour allergy relief and are most effective against sneezing, and itchy and runny noses, while nasal sprays like Nasacort Allergy spray are primarily designed to relieve congestion and pressure. Getting all-day relief is a priority for most.Its important to note that certain antihistamines, especially older drugs, can make you feel drowsy and cause dizziness, so you should be careful to avoid certain activities like driving after taking some antihistamines.

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What Is The Best Seasonal Allergy Medicine

The short answer is it depends on your symptoms.

If you feel itchy and have a runny nose or watery eyes, you would most likely benefit from an antihistamine, preferably a non-drowsy one such as Xyzal. You can add a nasal steroid such as Flonase to help relieve those pesky nasal allergy symptoms. Nasal saline is a great option to keep nasal passages from drying out. OTC allergy eye drops can help relieve itchy eyes.

If you have a stuffy nose, you may want to add a decongestant. Many non-drowsy allergy meds include a decongestant, such as Allegra-D. But if you have high blood pressure, you should check with your healthcare professional before using an oral decongestant, because they can raise your blood pressure further. Also, some antihistamines are not safe for people who have certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma or prostate problems. Your pharmacist can help you pick the best product for your symptoms, considering any medical conditions you have and other medications you take.

Treats Asthma And Nasal Allergies

Leukotriene modifiers can be prescribed along with other medications to help reduce your allergies. These drugs are primarily used to treat asthma, allergic asthma, and nasal issues. They work by blocking the leukotrienes, a type of chemical produced by the body in response to allergens. Leukotriene modifiers can be taken as pills, chewable tablets, and oral powder.

Examples of Leukotriene Modifiers

The only leukotriene modifier that the FDA has approved is Singulair .

Side Effects of Leukotriene Modifiers

Side effects of leukotriene modifiers are rare but can include:

• Stomach pain or stomach upset

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Healthcareaisle Allergy Relief Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Tablets Usp 180 Mg 180 Tablets Allergy Medication Non

Features :

• Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy allergy medicine that provides effective relief from indoor and outdoor allergies
• Our Fexofenadine Hydrochloride is an antihistamine that temporarily relieves allergy symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies such as runny nose itchy, watery eyes sneezing and itching of the nose or throat
• Comparable to the national brand: Has the same active ingredient as Allegra Allergy 24 Hour Tablets
• Fexofenadine tablets provide 24 hours of allergy relief
• Take one 180 mg tablet with water once a day do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours see package label for warnings, directions and other important information use only as directed

Additional Info :

Over The Counter Painkillers To Get Rid Of Sinus Headaches

Though the decongestants can reduce the swelling and improve the breathing through nostrils, it cannot reduce the pain. So, to reduce the pain, there are some over the counter painkillers that are best to get rid of sinus headaches fast. These include Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Acetaminophen and Naproxem sodium. However, for these medicines as well, prolonged intake is not recommended. You must follow the label instructions for dosage and stop taking them altogether if it is already 10 days or as your doctor prescribes.

For pregnant women, aspirin and ibuprofen are not prescribed. They can take acetaminophen instead. However, one must consult a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications since it may have major side effects on the pregnancy and the baby.

It must also be mentioned that many of the over the counter painkillers already contain decongestants. So, if you are taking decongestants separately, make sure that you control your dosage and avoid taking too much of it through two different medicines. Most of the over the counter pain relievers help in reducing inflammation along with the pain. So, if the cause of the sinus headache is inflammation, these medicines would be able to cure them as well.

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Best Over The Counter Allergy Medication Reviews

Choosing the appropriate over the counter allergy medication can be tough. However, if you consider these factors, your job will be easier.

• Product Quality: One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a product is its quality. Nobody would want a low-quality or easily worn-out object. They are even willing to spend a somewhat greater price for a good product.
• Reliability and durability are inextricably linked. Because it is tough and resilient.
• Ease of Use-The main reason to purchase a over the counter allergy medication is to alleviate as much effort of your task as possible. For this section of our review, we looked at what steps are required for operation and how much attention we had to pay.
• Ergonomics Ergonomics was a much simpler metric for these products. We split it into three aspects: comfort, aesthetics, and profile design. Most of our listed products are decently comfortable, and we think it is one of the groups sleeker and more stylish designs.
• Value is always important, but the range for over the counter allergy medication is relatively narrow. We feel that the #1 model offers a great value for most people and that the #2 is great for advanced users.

After extensive research, we selected each of these over the counter allergy medication based on their performance and dependability.

Best Overall over the counter allergy medication:

This over the counter allergy medication is the king of the hill.

See details features here:

What Is The Difference Between Seasonal And Perennial Allergies

Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, generally occur around the same time each year. In many areas of the U.S., spring allergies start in February, lasting until early summer. In the late summer and fall, ragweed and mold allergies may be more common.

Perennial allergies can affect you year-roundnot just allergy seasonor occur intermittently at different times. Common causes of perennial allergies include mold, dust mites, insects, and pet dander.

Regardless of the type of allergy, when your immune system tries to fight the cause of the reaction, you may experience any or all of these symptoms:

• Watery or itchy eyes

Allergy medications, both OTC and prescription, can help to alleviate these symptoms. Allergy medicine alone typically suffices for seasonal allergies however, if your symptoms are affecting your quality of life or occur year-round, you might want to consider immunotherapy through allergy shots.RELATED: What causes spring allergies? | What causes winter allergies?

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Allergy Medication For Toddlers

Allergy medications are not recommended for use in children under the age of two years without out the advice of a physician. In this group, mild symptoms can be managed using non-drug methods such as saline spray for a stuffy or dry nose and/or a vaporizer/humidifier for congestion. If the allergy is in the form of a rash, emollient creams may offer some relief. For more severe allergy symptoms widespread rash, wheezing, red, watery eyes parents should consult a pediatrician.