More than 40 million Americans suffer from allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergies Asthma and Immunology. Aside from avoiding allergens, the most common way to find allergy relief is by taking medication. Most of the drugs used for allergy relief are available over-the-counter and at an affordable price. Different allergies require different drugs to treat an allergic reaction. Knowing which drug to purchase is the first step to attaining allergy relief.
First-generation Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most common drug used for allergy relief. They maintain proper histamine levels in a person's body to reduce the symptoms of the allergic reaction. First-generation antihistamines are classified as older antihistamines and are noted for causing drowsiness. The most common first-generation antihistamines are: dimehydrinate (Dramamine), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), Brompheniramine (Dimetapp) and Doxylamine (NyQuil). These antihistamines are considered the most powerful but cause sedation and severe drowsiness in most adults.
Second-generation Antihistamines
Second-generation antihistamines are among the most popular in recent years due to their 24-hour effectiveness and non-sedating properties. Second-generation antihistamines have been around for more than 20 years but only recently have been made available without a prescription. The most common second-generation antihistamines are loratadine (Claritin) and Cetirizine (Zyrtec). Second-generation antihistamines do not typically cause drowsiness because they do not enter the brain but primarily work in other areas of the body.
Bronchodilators
According to the Cleveland Clinic, bronchodilators are used to treat asthma brought on by an allergic reaction. Bronchodilators typically come in the form of a prescribed inhaler which a person will take at the onset of an asthma attack. These drugs relax stressed lungs to allow free-flowing breathing in and out. Bronchodilators do not help prevent an allergic reaction instead they simply treat the symptom of tightened lungs and short-breath caused by allergies.
Epinephrine
Epinephrine is only used for severe allergic reactions related to insect bites and stings or food allergies. Epinephrine is injected directly into the body, usually on the upper-thigh using a needle. Epinephrine is used to deliver temporary relief to a person suffering from anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic responds affecting the entire body. If not treated quickly, it can lead to death. Epinephrine is intended to relieve anaphylactic shock temporarily in order for the individual to seek medical attention immediately.
Decongestants
Although decongestants do not treat allergies directly they are used for allergy relief related to sinus pressure and congestion. The most common decongestants used in allergy relief are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. Both of these drugs are used to reduce swelling and irritation in the sinus cavity relieving sinus congestion, headaches from sinus pressure and head fog. Pseudoephedrine is no longer available on store shelves but must be requested at the pharmacy due to government regulations.
