Patients with mild allergies or acute symptoms that come and go with the seasons may not need prescription allergy medicines. Among the wide array of over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications on the market, people with moderate allergies will find products that meet their needs.
All OTC drugs have Food and Drug Administration approval and test safe for the labeled ages and dosages, with some health condition restrictions. Sprays, creams, eye drops, tablets and liquids deliver medications to prevent, minimize or ease respiratory, skin and eye allergy symptoms.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines treat the runny nose and sneezing associated with allergic rhinitis, as well as the itching symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis, notes the Mayo Clinic. The medicines alleviate indoor and outdoor allergic reactions to mold, other plants, animals, chemicals and insects.
Parents often choose liquid preparations for children, such as clemastine and ceterizine, which are also labeled for adults. These and oral tablets such as diphenhydramine and chlorpheneramine effectively reduce allergy symptoms, but often cause sedation. Loratadine stands out as an OTC antihistamine that does not cause drowsiness side effects, as reported by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).
Cromolyn Sodium
Cromolyn sodium prevents or suppresses symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including runny and stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat. Patients who anticipate allergic reactions to tree, grass or ragweed pollens each year may favor this allergy medicine, which is effective for seasonal or perennial allergy symptoms.
If taken seasonally, patients should begin dosing a week or two before they expect breathing problems. According to the AAAAI, this allows the mast cell inhibitors to reach full strength by the time the medication is needed.
Allergy Eye Drops
Eye symptoms from allergic reactions to airborne allergens can be severe, especially for people who wear contact lenses. A condition with eye redness, itching and watering is termed allergic conjunctivitis. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that eye drops formulated for allergy symptoms may contain antihistamine, decongestant or mast cell stabilizer medications. Approved OTC formulas include naphazoline, pheneramine and ketotifin.
Nasal Decongestants
Allergy medicines specifically made to relieve sinus congestion include nasal decongestant sprays and tablets, such as oxymetazoline and pseudoephedrine. Allergic reactions cause inflammation of the sinuses and nasal membranes that create stuffy noses and breathing problems. Decongestants can alleviate these acute symptoms, notes the UM Medical Center, but patients should not take them for longer than three days straight. A "rebound" side effect can make symptoms worse instead of better with long-term dosing.
