Families that are attached to their pets or individuals who visit friends with pets may need effective medicinal allergy treatments. An allergic reaction to pet dander creates a variety of respiratory and skin problems that allergy medicines are designed to correct. Some over-the-counter drugs act best for short periods on mild allergy symptoms. Physicians also prescribe more specialized formulas to manage long-term, daily contact with pets.
Antihistamines
This most popular type of allergy medicine comes in the greatest array of strengths and forms. Both types control the sneezing, runny nose and itching caused by histamines in the body. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology lists approved allergy medications for pet dander in eye drop, nasal spray, liquid, chewable and oral table form. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine may cause drowsiness, while newer formulas, including loratadine and most prescription drugs, won't.
Decongestant Drugs
Because some antihistamine drugs contain decongestant elements, patients might not need to buy a separate dose for stuffy nose allergy symptoms. For short-term relief of persistent congestion, however, patients can choose over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays or tablets, such as oxymetazoline or pseudoephedrine.
The University of Maryland (UM) Medical Center warns that nasal congestion can get worse if decongestants are used for more than 3 days. Patients with high blood pressure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should ask their doctors for an alternative to decongestants.
Mast Cell Inhibitors
Many patients favor the gentler formula of cromolyn sodium, an allergy medicine that fights histamine-caused symptoms with a different mechanism. According to the AAAAI, over-the-counter nasal spray formulas are safe for young children age 2 and up. This drug acts for shorter periods and must be administered several times a day to control allergy symptoms. It also may require up to two weeks of daily use before reaching effective strength.
Topical Corticosteroids
Pet dander can cause skin allergy symptoms to flare in some children and sensitive adults. For symptoms including a red rash, itching and skin bumps, or hives, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends topical applications of corticosteroid medications. Patients should use nonprescription cortisone cream sparingly or ask their doctors for prescription strength cortisone or other ointments.
Systemic Corticosteroids
Inhaled corticosteroids represent a form of steroid allergy medicine that are safe to take over the long term. Nasal steroids address respiratory problems from pet dander that may include asthma. For patients who can't take antihistamines and other drugs, the oral corticosteroid prednisone may become a final choice in medication. Both drugs must be prescribed by a physician.
