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Whether you're reacting to pets or pollen, allergies are the worst. Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to avoid the stuff you’re allergic to. To get your watery eyes, runny nose, and all other symptoms under control, you may benefit from a reliable over-the-counter allergy medicine. Reviewed & Approved The Allegra Adult Non-Drowsy Antihistamine Tablets provide quick, non-drowsy relief for both indoor and outdoor allergies. If you need a kid-friendly option, we suggest the Zyrtec 24 Hr Children’s Allergy Syrup. Allergy medications may promise instant relief, but they each have different active ingredients with some possibly inducing drowsiness, while others may only treat specific allergies. “The best allergy medications are antihistamines,” says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist with the Allergy & Asthma Network. We looked at age recommendations, medicine formats, value, symptoms, and different types of antihistamines when reviewing products.

What to Look for in OTC Allergy Medicines

Type of Antihistamine

The antihistamine cetirizine hydrochloride found in Zyrtec and GoodSense All Day Allergy can treat indoor and outdoor symptoms and is safe for children 6 years old and up with a 10-milligram tablet limit per day. It is important to note this antihistamine may cause drowsiness, so keep that in mind if you are treating yourself or your child before school or work. There’s also fexofenadine, found in Allegra Adult 24-Hour Allergy Relief, which is a non-drowsy antihistamine. Children over the age of 12 and adults can take one 180-milligram tablet per day but should be on the lookout for side effects, like dizziness or nausea. According to Laura Chong, MD, board-certified allergist of the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic, “The main side effect to be on the lookout for is [drowsiness], since it can cross the blood-brain barrier.”

Medicine Format

Dr. Chong says there are many different ways antihistamines can be used. “Antihistamines can be used in the forms of pills (mostly over the counter), nasal sprays (prescription only), and in various eye drops (both over the counter and prescription),” she says. There are also OTC allergy medications that are not antihistamines, such as the nasal sprays Flonase and Nasacort that use steroids to treat allergy symptoms. “The antihistamine nasal spray can be used down to age 6, while the oral medications (liquid form) and eye drops with some products can be used down to age 2.” Depending on which method of medication you decide to use, they each offer relief from those pesky allergy symptoms. Pill – Taken orally, pills are great for easing a runny nose and itchy/watery eyes. Some OTC pills may cause drowsiness, leaving you feeling tired throughout the day.

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– Taken orally, pills are great for easing a runny nose and itchy/watery eyes. Some OTC pills may cause drowsiness, leaving you feeling tired throughout the day. Nasal Spray – With a spritz of spray through your nostrils, this will help relieve any itching or congestion you may have. With antihistamine nasal sprays, you may be left feeling drowsy or have a bitter taste left behind in your mouth. This won't occur with steroid nasal sprays. – With a spritz of spray through your nostrils, this will help relieve any itching or congestion you may have. With antihistamine nasal sprays, you may be left feeling drowsy or have a bitter taste left behind in your mouth. This won't occur with steroid nasal sprays. Liquid – Also taken orally, in the form of liquid, this type of method is like a pill. Depending on your antihistamine, it may cause you to feel drowsy but will help relieve any allergy symptoms you’re experiencing. – Also taken orally, in the form of liquid, this type of method is like a pill. Depending on your antihistamine, it may cause you to feel drowsy but will help relieve any allergy symptoms you’re experiencing. Eye Drops – This format is available over the counter or through a prescription. They can help with itchy and red eyes but may leave you with a headache, which is a possible side effect.

Symptoms

If you are one of the millions who suffer from allergies, you've more than likely experienced the draining symptoms that come with them. “Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy/red/watery eyes, congestion of the ears, postnasal drainage, sinus pain/pressure, headaches, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing,” says Dr. Chong. Sometimes, over-the-counter medications won’t tackle your allergies, and that’s when it’s best to see an allergist. Some signs that indicate you should see an allergist are if your symptoms are causing you to have difficulty breathing, your ability to carry on your daily life is interfered with due to asthma or allergies, and tightness in your chest.

verywellfamily.com - The 10 Best OTC Allergy Medicines of 2023 - Verywell Family

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