The best over-the-counter allergy medicine is one that will relieve your symptoms and allow you to breathe easier. You can choose from prescription or over-the-counter remedies. Also consider how you want to administer the medication; some of the allergy medications come in different forms such as nose sprays or pills. If choosing over-the-counter drugs, they should act fast and be long-lasting to help you feel well quickly.
One type of over-the-counter allergy medicine is an antihistamine. This medicine is designed to block histamines, the substance in your sinuses that gets released when you inhale an allergen. Histamines are responsible for the blood vessels swelling in your eyes and nose, which causes the irritation and itchiness associated with allergies. An antihistamine medication will block the histamine and help with allergy symptoms.
A decongestant is another type of over-the-counter allergy medicine. Once you inhale an allergen, it causes a good amount of mucus and other fluids to be present in the sinus cavities. Decongestants are used to lessen the fluid, which will make you feel less pressure in the nose and face. You may be able to breathe better once the decongestant clears some of the mucus from the airflow as well.
Antihistamines and decongestants are often used together to get the maximum amount of allergy relief. Both of these medications are known to have side effects. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness while decongestants could cause insomnia. Decongestants are also not recommended for people with high blood pressure. It is important to read all the side effect warnings on the medicine package before taking it.
Over-the-counter allergy medicine can come in pills, liquid forms and nose or eye drops. Many antihistamines are packaged as pills or tablets because they are designed for long-term use. Decongestants are usually used for just a few days and come in nose sprays and liquid. It may be a matter or preference of which kind of OTC medications you use. Some may work better for certain people.
The cost of over-the-counter allergy medicine can be high. Since you do not need a prescription, most health insurance companies will not help to cover cost. Brand name OTC drugs can be higher than a generic version of the same medication.
Even though you do not need a prescription, it may be wise to talk with your doctor about OTC allergy medicines if you use them frequently. You still have to be careful when mixing different OTC drugs, as it could cause a reaction. If you suffer from allergies often, your doctor may decide to prescribe a stronger allergy medication.
