If you have seasonal allergies, you'll be relieved to know that you can feel better with the right care. Along with avoiding allergy triggers, your doctor may suggest taking over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines to help manage symptoms such as sneezing; sniffling; and itchy, watery eyes.
Be sure to always read the labels of OTC medicines before taking them, and let your doctor know if you have questions or concerns.
Common OTC options include:
Corticosteroid nasal sprays. They reduce nasal inflammation to help control symptoms like congestion, runny nose and sneezing. These drugs, such as fluticasone (Flonase), help ease eye symptoms too. You may take them once or twice daily. Nasal sprays take time to work, so start them early in the allergy season.
Antihistamine pills. They help with sneezing and itching. Newer options, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are less likely to cause drowsiness than older, short-acting antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Taking a medicine that makes you sleepy could prevent you from safely driving a car.
Decongestants. These nasal sprays and pills shrink tissues inside the nasal passages to decrease decongestion. They work well, but you should check with your doctor before taking OTC nasal sprays longer than just a few days. Longer use can sometimes cause your nasal symptoms to come back and get even worse than before. Also, decongestants can make some health conditions worse or interfere with medicines you might take for them. For example, you should check with a doctor before taking a decongestant if you have:
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Glaucoma.
• Trouble urinating.
• Thyroid disease.
What if your OTC meds aren't working?
Other options include prescription allergy medicines and immunotherapy, which helps prevent allergic reactions. Your doctor can tell you more about these allergy treatments.
Sources: AARP; American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; U.S. Food and Drug Administration