Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication: key information to know

Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication can help combat some allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal stuffiness, runny nose and itchy eyes. But how does someone choose an allergy medication, especially with dozens of available products, some with more than one active ingredient? Here’s what to know about how OTC allergy medications work.

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What may cause allergies

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and reacts to it. The substance that causes the reaction is an allergen. The symptoms people may have from the allergen is the allergic reaction. This may include: a runny nose, sneezing, skin rash, hives or itching eyes.

Not every allergy sufferer has all these symptoms. And for some people, allergens can cause more serious symptoms, including swelling in the mouth and throat, or trouble breathing, which may be a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. If something like that happens, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.

For seasonal allergies, the allergens are usually pollen that trees and plants produce during certain times of the year, but molds can also trigger allergies. Leaf mold is one allergen that is more common in the fall. Grass pollen is more common during spring and summer, and ragweed pollen is most common in late summer and early fall.

OTC allergy medication

Several OTC products are approved to help people manage their allergy symptoms. Those OTC allergy products come in several main categories.

Nasal corticosteroids

Nasal corticosteroids, a type of allergy medication sprayed into the nose (such as fluticasone), are a type of OTC product that can help with allergic rhinitis symptoms. Talk to a health care provider about whether this type of medication is appropriate before starting.

Nasal spray brands to consider: Flonase or Nasacort

Antihistamines

Oral antihistamines (such as fexofenadine and cetirizine) are another relief support option for people with certain allergy symptoms. Nasal antihistamines can also sometimes be combined with nasal corticosteroids to help support allergy symptom relief.

Antihistamines can also be combined with nasal corticosteroids to help support relief of severe, persistent allergy symptoms, but it's best to speak to a health care provider before doing so.

Antihistamines to consider: Benadryl Allergy tablets, Allegra Allergy tablets, Zyrtec Allergy tablets or Claritin liqui-gels

Decongestants

Decongestants can also help support certain symptom relief in the short term. These medications are sometimes combined with an antihistamine, such as Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D. Decongestants are used to help reduce stuffiness in the nose. Decongestants can come in oral and nasal spray forms. However, decongestant sprays should not be used for more than three days in a row since they can cause rebound nasal congestion.

Always consult a health care provider before taking any OTC medications, as many decongestants can have an effect on blood pressure and other chronic conditions.

Decongestant to consider: Afrin nasal spray

Can an antihistamine and decongestant be taken together?

In some cases, combining medication classes might provide different symptom relief results. In fact, some OTC medications are already combination products. But safety should be the first consideration. People should always read medication labels before starting a medication, and factor in any OTC medications that are already being taken to avoid doubling up on active ingredients, which may potentially increase side effects. Also, be sure to talk with a health care provider before starting on any OTC medications or supplements.

Allergy medication for kids

Kids aren’t free from allergies, and certain allergy symptoms may mimic those of a cold. If a runny nose and sneezing last for weeks, parents might consider whether allergies may be the cause.

Some OTC medications for allergy symptoms are approved for children, but it is recommended that caregivers read medication labels carefully to ensure it is approved for a child’s age. It’s also important to make sure that children aren’t taking multiple medications with the same active ingredient, or else they could be getting too much of it.

Talk with a child’s pediatrician or other health care provider before starting this or any type of OTC medication or supplement.

Drowsiness and allergy medication

Some allergy medications are known to cause drowsiness, including first-generation antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines are typically “low-sedating,” or “nonsedating,” meaning people are much less likely to feel drowsy when taking them. People should talk to a health care provider to find out which allergy medication is right for them.

Some things to consider when taking allergy medications

If someone is taking an allergy medication for symptom relief support, here are some things to consider:

• Drinking alcohol with antihistamines can increase the sedating effect, making someone more tired.
• If someone gets tired from their medication, they may discuss other options that may cause less drowsiness with a health care provider
• Certain allergy medications are not recommended for people that are pregnant or nursing or have certain other health conditions. Talk to a health care provider before starting or stopping any medications.