The same mechanism causes perennial and seasonal, or indoor and outdoor, allergies and their symptoms. Therefore, the available allergy medicines may be used for the itching, sneezing, runny nose and congestion that accompany hay fever or allergies to household mold, pets and dust mites. Medications differ in how they act on the body to control allergy symptoms. Patients may have to endure moderate side effects in order to get the right level of treatment. Some allergy drugs pose risks for individuals with certain health conditions.
Cromolyn Sodium
Cromolyn sodium nasal spray may be the gentlest formula designed to address indoor and outdoor allergies. It doesn't act as quickly or last as long as the other classes of allergy medicines, but neither does it have serious side effects.
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that this nonprescription drug relieves inflammatory allergy symptoms such as itchy, swollen eyes and a runny or stuffy nose. Children ages 2 and up can safely take cromolyn sodium. All seasonal allergy patients should begin medicine dosing prior to outdoor pollen exposure.
Nasal Steroids
Prescription nasal steroids have become a popular choice for their effective allergy symptom relief year round. Low-dose corticosteroids such as fluticasone and budesonide offer convenient, premeasured nasal spray doses without the side effects of a strong oral allergy medicine such as prednisone.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) notes that patients can safely take some nasal steroids as needed during hay fever season, or use them on a continual basis for multiple or persistent indoor allergies. Physicians will match the right formulas to patients' age groups and allergy needs.
Antihistamines
Over-the-counter antihistamine syrups, tablets, and eye drops treat mild to severe allergy symptoms. These drugs work to counteract the inflammation and fluid accumulation caused by histamine during allergic reactions. According to the AAAAI, patients can take loratadine daily with few noticeable side effects. The antihistamines diphenhydramine and ceterizine, however, may cause drowsiness. A number of prescription antihistamines, such as fexofenadine and desloratadine, work without sedation and offer once-a-day dosage. Patients with high blood pressure or glaucoma should consult pharmacists before taking antihistamines.
Decongestants
Decongestant allergy medicines also pose risks for high blood pressure patients, but do provide sinus relief for otherwise healthy individuals. The key to effective decongestant use is short-term dosing. Nasal spray decongestants such as oxymetazoline ease stuffy nose symptoms for up to three days, but afterward cause congestion to reoccur. Some antihistamines also contain decongestant medication, so patients may not need to take a separate product.
