What are Some Allergy Relief Medications?

Allergies refer to a medical condition in which the immune system reacts to mold, dust mites or other types of allergens. Specific allergy symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, a dry cough, a sore throat, fatigue and dark circles under the eyes. In some cases, allergies lead to red or watery eyes, facial pressure or facial pain. Allergy relief medications decrease these symptoms.

Mometasone

Mometasone, commonly sold as Nasonex, is a topical steroid medication that specifically treats seasonal or year-round allergies. Medline Plus of the National Library of Medicine says that mometasone decreases inflammation in the nasal passages. Its common side effects include vomiting, headache, sore throat and cough. Mometasone's serious side effects include visual changes, wheezing and a yeast infection of the throat or nose. Notify a doctor if mometasone leads to these effects. This medication is a nasal spray given in each nostril once a day.

Fluticasone

Fluticasone, commonly sold as Flonase, is another medication that treats seasonal and year-round allergies. Medline Plus indicates that fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication that reduces the swelling that occurs in the nose. Fluticasone's less concerning side effects include vomiting, nausea, a headache, nosebleeds, diarrhea and stomach pain. Serious side effects include muscle weakness, itching, a rash, visual problems and nasal injury. Sometimes, it can lead to difficulty breathing, irregular periods and hoarseness. Phone a doctor if fluticasone leads to these effects. Fluticasone is a nasal spray that is sprayed into each nostril once or twice daily.

Clemastine

Clemastine, commonly sold as Tavist or Contac 12 Hour Allergy, is an antihistamine medication that treats allergy symptoms and the common cold. Drugs.com says that it prevents histamine from being released from the cells. Histamine is a substance responsible for leading to hives, rashes, itching and watery eyes. Clemastine's less serious side effects include a dry mouth, a headache, fatigue, dizziness, trouble urinating and an enlarged prostate. Signs of an allergic reaction to clemastine include trouble breathing, closing up of the throat and swelling of the tongue, face or lips. Call 911 immediately. Clemastine is a tablet or syrup taken daily or as prescribed.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Apr 17, 2010

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