How Can You Choose Relief?
Answers to your questions about allergy medications
Step into the allergy remedy aisle at the drugstore or
supermarket, and you’ll find shelf after shelf of pills, tablets,
liquids and sprays. All promise relief from a variety
of allergy symptoms. But which product is right for you?
These answers to common questions can help you narrow your search.
Q. What’s the difference between an antihistamine and a decongestant? Do I need a medicine with both?
A. Antihistamines help relieve sneezing, itchiness in the eyes and nose, and a runny nose. They also help clear up itchy skin rashes. Many antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Decongestants help ease a stuffed-up nose and sinus pressure caused by swollen nasal passages. Decongestants are available in medicines you take by mouth and nasal sprays. Many decongestants can cause wakefulness or jitteriness. A product containing both an antihistamine and a decongestant may be helpful if you have allergy symptoms that could benefit from both medicines. There are also saline nasal sprays available that can help relieve congestion without side effects. If you are in doubt about what is best for your condition, talk with your doctor.
Q. Are nonprescription allergy products different from prescription allergy medicines?
A. In recent years, some allergy medicines that were once available only by prescription — such as Claritin and Zyrtec — became available on store shelves in their original prescription strength. There are still allergy medicines that require a doctor’s prescription. In general, with nonsedating antihistamine medications, such as Claritin and Zyrtec, there are not many differences. However, some of the older nonprescription antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, may cause drowsiness after use.
Q. Is it necessary to take medicine for my allergies?
A. If your symptoms are mild and occasional, you may not need a medicine but just need to avoid what triggers your allergies. If allergies are an ongoing problem, however, you may want to talk to your primary care physician. Sometimes, if left untreated, recurring allergies may lead to other conditions or symptoms, such as ear infections, frequent sore throats, coughing, tiredness, headaches or disrupted sleep.
Q. When should I take allergy medicine?
A. Follow your doctor’s advice as to when to take an allergy medicine. Some people require regular use, others require episodic use, and others may only need to take it during a specific season of the year.
Q. Are over-the-counter allergy medicines safe for everyone to take?
A. Not always. Some decongestants may pose problems if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, diabetes or an enlarged prostate. Certain antihistamines should also be avoided if you have glaucoma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema. If you have any of the above conditions, or if you have questions, be sure to speak with your doctor and/or pharmacist. And it is always wise to read the warning labels on medicines before taking a dose.
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