Some OTC pills may cause drowsiness, leaving you feeling tired throughout the day. Pill – Taken orally, pills are great for easing a runny nose and itchy/watery eyes.“The antihistamine nasal spray can be used down to age 6, while the oral medications (liquid form) and eye drops with some products can be used down to age 2.”ĭepending on which method of medication you decide to use, they each offer relief from those pesky allergy symptoms. There are also OTC allergy medications that are not antihistamines, such as the nasal sprays Flonase and Nasacort that use steroids to treat allergy symptoms. “Antihistamines can be used in the forms of pills (mostly over the counter), nasal sprays (prescription only), and in various eye drops (both over the counter and prescription),” she says. Chong says there are many different ways antihistamines can be used. Children over the age of 12 and adults can take one 180-milligram tablet per day but should be on the lookout for side effects, like dizziness or nausea.Īccording to Laura Chong, MD, board-certified allergist of the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic, “The main side effect to be on the lookout for is, since it can cross the blood-brain barrier.”ĭr. There’s also fexofenadine, found in Allegra Adult 24-Hour Allergy Relief, which is a non-drowsy antihistamine. It is important to note this antihistamine may cause drowsiness, so keep that in mind if you are treating yourself or your child before school or work. The antihistamine cetirizine hydrochloride found in Zyrtec and GoodSense All Day Allergy can treat indoor and outdoor symptoms and is safe for children 6 years old and up with a 10-milligram tablet limit per day. What to Look for in OTC Allergy Medicines Type of Antihistamine We also had a family physician from our Review Board review the contents of this article for accuracy surrounding the efficacy of specific ingredients and when it's time to see an allergist. We looked at age recommendations, medicine formats, value, symptoms, and different types of antihistamines when evaluating products. “The best allergy medications are antihistamines,” says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist with the Allergy & Asthma Network. To get your watery eyes, runny nose, and all other symptoms under control, you may benefit from a reliable over-the-counter allergy medicine.Īllergy medications may promise instant relief, but they each have different active ingredients with some possibly inducing drowsiness, while others may only treat specific allergies. Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to avoid the stuff you’re allergic to. Whether you're reacting to pets or pollen, allergies are the worst.
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