Patients who seek to control their allergy symptoms need medications that deliver the most relief with the least detriment to their overall health. The various allergy drugs appeal to different age groups, degrees of symptoms and underlying health conditions. Individuals who are very young or who have high blood pressure, for example, cannot all safely enjoy the same medications. Pregnant women should discuss drug safety with their pharmacists. Patients must weigh the benefits and pharmaceutical strength of allergy medicines against their side effects.
Decongestants
Nasal congestion allergy symptoms may warrant the short-term use of decongestants, administered in a spray or in some enhanced antihistamine tablets. Nasal and sinus inflammation that persists for more than a few days may have causes other than allergies.
The Mayo Clinic warns of possible relapse effects with lengthy use of nasal sprays, in which congestion recurs. Oral tablets can be taken for longer periods, but may also cause respiratory problems. The action of nasal and oral decongestant allergy medicines raises blood pressure, posing serious health risks to patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Cromolyn Sodium
Allergy patients can treat runny or stuffy noses, itching and sneezing with cromolyn sodium. This preventive allergy medicine, classed as a mast cell inhibitor, may help patients avoid symptoms when taken for a period prior to and during allergen exposure. Other than problems that stem from allergic reactions to the medication's ingredients, the Mayo Clinic reports an absence of serious side effects.
Antihistamines
Antihistamine tablets and sprays effectively control allergy symptoms and have a low incidence of minor side effects, such as headache and nausea. Drowsiness, however, is a common effect of some antihistamines. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this sedating property may influence patients' mental and physical capabilities, making it difficult to work or drive. Antihistamine/decongestants can cause high blood pressure. Additionally, some slow-release or long-lasting antihistamine formulas can cause problems for kidney patients.
Leukotriene Blockers
Doctors may prescribe a leukotriene blocker such as montelukast for heart patients and others who can't take antihistamine allergy medicines, as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports. Depression, behavior modification and vascular changes are among the serious adverse effects of this drug.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids provide a high level of effectiveness against allergy symptoms, with side effects that vary by formula. Nasal corticosteroid sprays may cause mild headaches or sore throats. The Mayo Clinic states that inhaled nasal steroids are now preferred in most allergy cases over oral prednisone, which raises blood glucose levels.
Member Comments