Best For Contact Lens Wearers: Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops
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Can be used with contacts
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Relieves grittiness, blurriness, and itching
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Wont treat allergies
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May need to be applied frequently
Good news for contact lens wearers who also suffer from allergies: you dont have to choose between your contacts and freedom from allergy symptoms! Many allergy eye drops are safe to use with soft contacts. The trick, in this case, is keeping your eyes moisturized since the one-two punch of contact lenses and allergy irritation can do a number on your eyes overall moisture.
Active Ingredients: Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%, Glycerin 0.9% | Dosage: 1 or 2 drops in affected eye as needed
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Like artificial tears for dry, gritty eyes
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Long-lasting moisture for irritated eyes
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Can be used as needed
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Wont treat allergies
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Not for use with contacts
If dryness is your number one eye allergy symptom, you may want to start smallwith an artificial tear productand work your way up from there. You might not need to use antihistamine or decongestant products if lubrication solves your dryness problems.
When it comes to keeping your eyes nice and moist, Systane is a consistently good choice: with two different kinds of glycol, a humectant that attracts and binds water to the outer layer of a surface, these drops can be applied anytime your eyes need a serious refresher.
Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4%, Propylene Glycol 0.3% | Dosage: 1 or 2 drops in affected eye as needed
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You cant reapply if it wears off
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May not work as well as ketotifen
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 Claritin. 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 avoid these medications, because they can raise your blood pressure further. Also, some antihistamines are not safe for people who have 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.
Which Type Is Best
There’s not much evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms.
Some people find certain types work well for them and others do not. You may need to try several types to find one that works for you.
Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally the best option, as they’re less likely to make you feel sleepy. But types that make you feel sleepy may be better if your symptoms stop you sleeping.
Ask a pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone.
Also Check: Claritin Childrens
Side Effects Of Antihistamines
Like all medicines, antihistamines can cause side effects.
Side effects of antihistamines that make you drowsy can include:
- sleepiness and reduced co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement do not drive or use machinery after taking these antihistamines
- dry mouth
- feeling sick
- drowsiness although this is less common than with older types of antihistamines
Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine for a full list of possible side effects and advice about when to get medical help.
If you think your medicine has caused an unwanted side effect, you can report it through the Yellow Card Scheme.
Best Overall: Bausch + Lomb Alaway Antihistamine Eye Drops
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Lasts up to 12 hours
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Works quickly
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May sting or burn with application
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Cant be used with contacts
Ketotifen, an antihistamine, is an effective ingredient in eye drops targeted at allergy relief. After all, your eyes respond to allergens the same way the rest of your body does: when they are exposed to a substance that causes an allergic reaction, they produce a chemical called histamines, which causes swelling, itching, pain, and other unpleasantries.
Antihistamines like ketotifen are designed to block that response. Alaway, with its 12-hour protection, can easily be used to treat common allergic responses to pollen, pet dander, and grass. It starts working right away and can be used with contact lenses .
Eye drops containing only antihistamines, like Alaway, are generally safe for everyday use.
Active Ingredients: Ketotifen 0.025% | Dosage: 1 drop in affected eye twice per day or every 8-12 hours
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Best Eye Drops: Bauch & Lomb Alaway Eye Itch Relief Drops
Eye drops with antihistamines can help reduce symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, the trademark red, swollen, itchy and watery eyes of allergy sufferers.
Unlike oral antihistamines that usually take about an hour, eye drops can begin to provide relief in minutes. However, they won’t last as long, with a max advertised limit of 12 hours.
While all eye drops work the same way delivering a drop of the medicine directly into your eye you should be aware that the specific instructions will depend on the concentration of the medication, so follow them carefully. For example, with Alaway, the recommended use is one drop in each eye twice daily.
Two other OTC eye drops Dr. Kalra recommends are Zatidor and Pataday.
Buy it: CVS Price: $14.99 for a 60-day supply
The 7 Best Allergy Medicines And Why Theyre So Effective
Searching for the best allergy medicine on the market? Browse our top picks, and order OTC meds for allergy relief directly from Gopuff
Allergies are seldom easy to tame. Many allergens, from pollen to dust mites, are tough to avoid altogether, even if you stay indoors as much as possible during allergy season.
The good news? A massive variety of over-the-counter allergy medication is now readily available to help with everything from runny noses triggered by pet dander to sinus headaches caused by seasonal allergies.
To help you decide when you should use what, weâve tallied up some of the best allergy medicines on the market.
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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:
- Cetirizine
- Loratadine
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.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
As a seasoned health writer, Isis Briones knows the importance of finding products that work best for you and your conditions. You can count on her to always provide a variety of recommendations from licensed medical professionals because she has tested and reviewed tons of products over the years to know everyone is different.
Additional reporting by Katrina Cossey
Also Check: Clariton Medicine
A Doctors Guide To Choosing Allergy Medicine Wisely
Allergies can pop up throughout the year. You may be tempted to grab the closest antihistamine medicine to fend off your itchy eyes, sneezing, or a runny nose. Before you do, make sure the medicine wont do more harm than good.
There are different types of antihistamines, and some are better than others depending on your age, health, and other medications you take.
Older formulas work, but beware of side effects and bad interactions
Doctors often refer to the first type of antihistamines that were on the market as first-generation. They are great at treating allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, in some people, they can result in side effects like anxiety, confusion, feeling sleepy, blurred vision, reduced mental alertness, urinary retention and constipation. These effects are more common for anyone taking certain antidepressant medications.
Ingredients of first-generation antihistamines include brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Ask a pharmacist to help you compare products and read the labels if the print is too small. Some of the brand names for these products include Dimetapp Cold & Allergy, Chlor-Trimeton, Tavist, Benadryl, Vicks NyQuil and Tylenol Cold and Cough Nighttime.
The labels should also include warnings that people with certain medical conditions should not take first-generation antihistamines. Ask your doctor before use if you have:
New formulations have fewer side effects, but you still need to be cautious
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Why You Should Avoid Decongestant Sprays
Giving your child a decongestant nasal spray to relieve stuffiness is acceptable for short-term relief as long as you don’t use it for more than a day or two. “If you use them longer than that, they can cause a rebound effect, in which the congestion becomes even worse,” says Dr. Smith. Because seasonal allergies tend to last weeks or months, not days, Dr. Smith is cautious about recommending them at all.
Oral decongestants don’t pose a rebound problem, but they also don’t address sneezing and itching and can make some children hyperactive. Plus, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using decongestants for young children.
Best For Nighttime: Benadryl Ultratabs Antihistamine Allergy Relief Tablets
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Cheaper than most store brands
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Must take every four to six hours
Have you had a long day? Do you want to just sleep right away and forget about your allergies? The Extra Strength Benadryl Allergy Nighttime Caplets can make that happen. It can instantly put you to sleep and treat your common allergies and cold symptoms at the same time. Get ready for some uninterrupted slumber and by the next morning, youll feel as good as new.
Also Check: Allergies Causing Nausea
Treatment For Infant Allergies
If removing the allergen isnt enough to keep your infants allergies at bay, it may be time to try some baby allergy medicine.
Antihistamines are available over the counter and come in various forms, including syrup, chewable tablets, and meltable tablets. Both antihistamines and decongestants are popular to treat seasonal and indoor allergies.
If your child exhibits skin reactions to an allergen, your pediatrician may prescribe a corticosteroid, which is available as creams and nasal sprays, as well as pills and liquids.
Some parents, especially parents of infants who are too young to take many baby allergy medicines, additionally prefer to use a nasal bulb to clear infants nasal passageways and flush them with a baby-safe saline compound.
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.
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Which Allergy Medications Can You Mix
Depending on your symptoms, some allergy medications can be safe to use in combination. Generally, you can use an antihistamine with a decongestant .
However, you dont want to double up allergy medications. For example, you generally wouldnt want to take Claritin in the morning and Zyrtec in the evening .
Add A Nasal Steroid Spray
Antihistamines can relieve the mild congestion that comes along with most bouts of allergies, but some people may experience more severe congestion. If this sounds like you, Dr. Hays recommends using a nasal steroid spray in addition to taking an antihistamine.
Until recently, nasal steroid sprays were offered only by prescription. Now, there are a few you can buy over-the-counter, including:
- Budesonide
- Triamcinolone
“Nasal steroid sprays won’t help with all of your allergy symptoms, such as itchy and watery eyes, but they do help with nasal congestion, post-nasal drip and scratchy throat,” Dr. Hays explains.
Just like antihistamines, Dr. Hays says that nasal steroid sprays need to be used every day to be effective. The good news is that they’re also generally safe and well-tolerated.
“However, unlike antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays don’t provide quick relief from allergy symptoms,” Dr. Hays says. “It can take a few days for a nasal steroid spray to take effect.”
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Who Shouldnt Take Allergy Medications
Non-sedating antihistamines are relatively safe for most patients, but you should not take older antihistamines if you have prostate problems or glaucoma. You should not take decongestants if you have high blood pressure. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before using allergy medications .
Effectiveness And Speed Of Relief
Besides dosing, there are some slight differences in how quickly or well the drugs work. Zyrtec and Allegra work quickly for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and hives, typically within less than an hour. On the other hand, studies show that Claritin takes many hours to start working.
Studies show that Allegra is nearly as good as Zyrtec at treating However, Zyrtec appear to be better medicines for the treatment of hives.
If you’re taking Allegra, it’s important to avoid drinking fruit juice for one to two hours before you take the medication and one to two hours after. Juices such as orange juice or grapefruit juice can decrease the absorption of Allegra by nearly half.
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Healthcare For 80% Less
The active ingredient within Visine works by shrinking the blood vessels in the eyes, which in turn helps reduce redness. Visine allows for temporary relief and can be taken up to up to four times a day. However, Visine should not be used for more than three to four days at a time. Prolonged use of this medication may worsen your symptoms or harm the blood vessels within your eyes.
Allergy Medicine With High Blood Pressure Buying Guide
- First, our algorithms collected as much information available about these products from trusted sources.
- We employed both Artificial Intelligence and large data volume to validate all collected information.
- Then our AI ranked them on their quality-to-price ratio using industry-standard criteria that let us pick the best Allergy Medicine With High Blood Pressure currently on the market!
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Allergy Medicine Treating The Bodys Adverse Reaction To A Substance
A good percentage of the worlds population is affected by an allergy.
An allergy is the bodys reaction to a substance that doesnt cause much harm to other people, but it does to you. These allergens include dust, pollen, chemicals, foods, animal fur and insect stings.
Allergic reactions include:
- Skin rashes dermatitis, hives
- Excessive sweating
- Bloated stomach, intestinal disturbances, and others. In rare instances, the immune systems react so strongly to the offending substance that death occurs. The most deadly reaction occurs when the allergen gets into the bloodstream and causes an anaphylactic reaction respiratory distress, severe itching, and shock.
Allergies can be debilitating and sinusitis is often so painful it can lead to time off from work. Acute sinusitis will develop quickly and lasts up to 10 days while chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses.
In adults, chronic sinusitis can lead to nasal swelling. Allergies cause histamine to be released and this causes the inner lining of the nose to swell and prevent sinus drainage. People with asthma and immune system problems develop chronic sinusitis more often than others.
What Are The Symptoms Of Allergies
Reactions to the same allergen vary among individuals and depend on how the allergen entered the body .
Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- Areas of swelling and redness where a person has been stung or bitten
- Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
- Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
- A skin rash or hives, usually accompanied by body-wide itching
- Runny, stuffy nose
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Tingling of the mouth
- Watery, red or swollen eyes
- Wheezing.
Some types of allergies can trigger a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Loss of consciousness
- A drop in blood pressure
- Severe shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting.
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