For some, allergic reactions can be a hassle to deal with. After all, you’ll never know when you’ll encounter allergens or triggers that may cause reactions and negatively affect your day.
To counteract some unwanted effects of an allergic reaction, you may want to have some medicines ready just in case. Learn more about common allergy medicines you’d want to store in your medicine cabinet or keep in your bag.
Anti-Allergies or Antihistamines Can Be Your Ally Against Allergic Reactions
Anti-Allergies (Antihistamines) are recommended for allergic reactions. These medicines block the effects of histamine, a chemical responsible for triggering symptoms like redness, swelling, and/or itching.
Antihistamines are available in many formats, such as tablets or capsules, liquids, nasal spray and eye drops. If you’re interested in stocking up on antihistamines, take note of the following:
- Cetirizine: Helps alleviate itches and rashes, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy and watery eyes. It is recommended for adults, to be taken once a day.
- Levocetirizine: This antihistamine relieves symptoms linked to allergic rhinitis. It is recommended for adults, to be taken once a day.
- Loratadine: Compared to other antihistamines, loratadine has the advantage of not causing drowsiness. Adults are advised to take one tablet once a day.
- Diphenhydramine: This is recommended for people dealing with symptoms linked to hay fever or the common cold. It is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis due to food, and mild, uncomplicated skin allergies. Adults are advised to take one capsule every six hours or as prescribed by a physician.
Moreover, be aware that antihistamines like Cetirizine, Levocetirizine and Diphenhydramine can trigger drowsiness as a side effect. With that said, avoid driving or operating complex machinery after taking any of these antihistamines to reduce the risk for accidents.
Decongestants May Help Ease Allergy Symptoms Too
In some instances, decongestants may help too. Decongestants are known to help shrink the blood vessels in your nose, resulting in clear nasal passageways. The two most commonly used over the counter decongestants are phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine. These over the counter decongestants bring temporary relief from nasal congestion but don’t treat the cause of the allergies.
You many also ask your physician about medicines with a combination of anti-allergy and decongestant. This medicine helps provide relief from a clogged nose, runny and itchy nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes, all of which are linked to allergic rhinitis. However, take note that this medicine may cause drowsiness that can affect performance of your work.
If symptoms persist, consult your physician.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-medications
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/what-are-histamines
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311845#medications
https://www.verywellhealth.com/generic-allergy-medicines-83104
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/decongestants#Understanding-Decongestants
https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/cetirizine#side-effects
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698026.html
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607056.html
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loratadine/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antihistamines/
