OTC: How You Can Spell Allergy Relief

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If you are looking for safe, effective – and affordable – allergy relief, take a trip to the nearest store. Generic versions of Allegra® and Clarinex® and over-the-counter (OTC) versions of Alavert®, Claritin® and Zyrtec® can provide all the relief you need and save you money. Plus, as healthcare–related items, they are HSA– and FSA–qualified expenses.

Antihistamines to the Rescue
The main goal of allergy treatment is to stop the histamine reaction that causes swelling, itching and mucus production during an allergic reaction. That’s why antihistamines are a main ingredient in most allergy nonprescription and prescription medications.

  • Nonprescription drugs generally contain short-acting antihistamines that relieve mild to moderate symptoms, but can cause drowsiness. These antihistamines can also blunt learning in children, even without noticeable drowsiness.
  • Prescription drugs generally contain longer-acting antihistamines that can be equally effective and usually do not interfere with learning.

Some OTC allergy drugs also contain a decongestant, which can have a stimulant effect. So, don't drive after taking OTC antihistamines until you know how the drug will affect you.

Finding the Right Medication
After perusing the allergy aisle in your local pharmacy, you may have trouble deciding among the many different formulas and combinations available.

For example, older antihistamines, such as Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton may be too sedating for routine use, and even can cause mental and physical impairment. Cromolyn, an OTC nasal spray, and two newer OTC antihistamines, Claritin and Zyrtec, cause much less sedation, and no mental or physical impairment, when taken at recommended dosages. They are generally considered safe, when used as directed on the package labeling.

If you become drowsy when taking OTC antihistamines, a single large dose at bedtime may provide enough relief of symptoms throughout the day – limiting the drowsy side effect to your sleep time.

Side Effects Can Occur
While OTC drugs treat your nasal and eye allergy symptoms, problems can sometimes develop, such as repeated sinus infections, ear infections, headaches, coughing and wheezing or difficulty with exercise. Call your doctor immediately to discuss these problems and how to manage them.

The doctor may prescribe alternate drugs that may make you feel better or suggest that you see an allergy specialist. Specialists often can stop the allergic condition from getting worse and can reverse the problems.

Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; drgreene.com

 

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