There are a host of allergy relief medications in the market. So many in fact that it is no longer a problem looking for one. All drugstores will have one product to relieve you of your allergic misery. The problem now however is finding the right allergy relief medicine for you.
While there are many over the counter allergy relief medicines, it is still safe to first talk to your physician on what kind of medicine that would best suit you and your allergy problem.
Here are some of the common over the counter allergy relief medicines in the market. Let’s get to know each of them including the brand names that they are known for.
Antihistamines as the name suggests fight against the effects of histamines, chemicals released by allergens, which causes swelling and runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itchiness of the throat. Antihistamines come in the form of tablets, liquid and capsules and go by the brand names Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetane and Tavist. Common side effects of Antihistamines are drowsiness, urinary retention, impaired coordination and judgment, upset stomach dry mouth, and loss of appetite.
Decongestants, on the other hand, are allergy medicines that reduce the congestion inside the nose. It also helps relieve the pressure in the ears, head and nose, which often results to headaches. Decongestants come in the form of either tablets and capsules or nasal spray.
Common side effects of using decongestants are lightheadedness, nervousness, wakefulness and restlessness including occasional jitters and shakiness, increased blood pressure and heart rate; and irregular heartbeat. When used for more than three to five days, nose sprays may also lead to what doctors call “rebound” congestion. The most popular brand name for the tablet form is the Sudafed while nasal sprays have Afrin, Neo-Synephrine and Dristan Nasal Spray.
Antihistamines and decongestants are often commonly combined to provide maximum allergy relief. Some formulations are even combined with pain killers. Some of the popular brand names are Actifed, Chlor-Trimeton D, Dimetapp and Drixoral. Brand names for those with pain relievers are Advil Cold and Sinus, Comtrex Day/Night and Tylenol Allergy Sinus. Common side effects of the drugs are two-fold as it may both exhibit the side effects of antihistamines and decongestants.
Another kind of nose spray is the saline nose spray, which go with the brand names Ayr Saline and Ocean. It relives nasal stuffiness. Unlike decongestant nose sprays, which may lead to “rebound” congestion, saline nose sprays seem to have no side effects. Chromolyn sodium nose spray which relieves itchy and runny nose has some side effects like irritation of the nose, nose bleeds, skin rash, increase in sneezing and unpleasant taste.
There are also antihistamine eye drops that one can use for itchy watery eyes. Visine-A is a very popular brand. It is important though that people use it moderately as too much use can cause redness in the eyes and blurred vision.
Another kind of allergy relief medicines is the topical corticosteroids, which come in the form of cream and lotion. This medicine is primarily used to relieve allergic symptoms manifested in the skin such as rashes, itchy skin, hives and red spots.
Popular brand names of topical corticosteroids are Cortaid and Cortisone 10. Common side effects of the allergy relief medicine are burning, dryness, irritation of the skin, and increased redness or scaling.