Learn the Different Types of Allergy Relievers

Most common allergy symptoms are relieved with antihistamines. Antihistamines are a class of medications that decrease the effect of histamine within the body. Decreasing the effects of histamine relieves itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and itching.

There are two main types of antihistamines, referred to as first generation [e.g., BENADRYL^® (diphenhydramine)] and second generation [e.g., CLARITIN^® (loratadine), REACTINE^® (cetirizine), or AERIUS^® (desloratadine)]. Both of these types of antihistamines provide relief from common allergic responses such as itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, and allergic skin conditions (like hives). First generation antihistamines tend to cause drowsiness, while second generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness.  When taken as directed by the product label , either kind of antihistamine can provide much needed symptom relief.

Another type of medication used to treat allergies are intranasal corticosteroids. Intranasal corticosteroids (INS) work by decreasing the swelling and irritation of the airways, which helps make breathing feel easier. These medications are typically used to help treat swelling and inflammation of the nasal passageway, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion. They may also provide effective relief of eye symptoms.

 IMPORTANT: Get medical attention immediately if you or someone around you is experiencing a life-threatening allergic (anaphylactic) reaction. OTC allergy relief medicines are not to be used in this type of situation. 

IMPORTANT: It is not recommended to use more than one OTC product to relieve your allergy symptoms. First generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness; when using a product like this, do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery until you understand how this product affects you. In children, antihistamines may cause excitability. Talk to a doctor before using an antihistamine if you have chronic lung disease, glaucoma, difficulty in urination due to enlargement of the prostate gland, if you are pregnant or nursing, or taking other antihistamines or sedating drugs or tranquilizers. Alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness.

IMPORTANT: Intranasal corticosteroids should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to understand the benefits vs. risks to you and your baby. If you become pregnant while using an intranasal corticosteroid medication, consult your doctor. Intranasal corticosteroids are known to pass into breastmilk and should be avoided if you are a breastfeeding mother.

IMPORTANT: Remember to consult your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about using an antihistamine or intranasal corticosteroid medication to relieve your allergy symptoms. Take extra precautions and seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or person over the age of 65 choosing a medication to relieve your allergy symptoms.

IMPORTANT: Remember to consult your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about using a decongestant to relieve your allergy symptoms. Take extra precautions and seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or are over the age of 65 choosing a medication to relieve your allergy symptoms. Oral decongestants are not recommended for those with high blood pressure, heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, angina, or insomnia.

Check the Drug Facts table on your medicine’s carton for a full list of warnings and directions for use. Download a guide to Drug Facts table.

What to know about DOSING DIRECTIONS

The most common oral OTC allergy symptom relievers-diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, fexofenadine -may have  different dosing directions . It is  not  appropriate to apply the directions on the label of one allergy symptom reliever to another. To be sure you’re taking the right amount of your antihistamine and at the right time, always read and follow the product label. Download and print the adult allergy symptom reliever dosing chart and keep it with your medicines.

OTC allergy relief medicines can provide the relief you want to get on with your day, but not all of them are suitable for everyone.

It’s important to think about the responsible use of allergy relief medicines. With certain medicines in this group, your age, health conditions, and other medications you are taking may increase the chance of unwanted side effects. Make an appropriate choice for you. If in doubt, always check with a healthcare provider.

 IMPORTANT: Get medical attention immediately if you or someone around you is experiencing a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. OTC allergy relief medicines are not to be used in this type of situation. 

Your age and health conditions may affect your allergy symptom relief medicine choices

If you are thinking about using BENADRYL^®(diphenhydramine):

• BENADRYL^®(diphenhydramine) should only be used by adults and children over 12 years of age.  KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.  Children under 12 years of age should only be given products labelled “Children’s BENADRYL^® Allergy Chewables” or “Children’s BENADRYL^® Allergy Liquid”.

• Do not use with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin;

• Do not use more than the recommended dosage or use for prolonged periods of time except on the advice of a doctor

• Do not use if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or to any other ingredients in this product.

• Talk to a doctor before using this product if you have chronic lung disease, glaucoma, difficulty in urination due to enlargement of the prostate gland, if you are pregnant or nursing, or taking other antihistamines or sedating drugs or tranquilizers.

If you are thinking about using CLARITIN^®(loratadine):

• CLARITIN^®(loratadine) should only be used by adults and children over 12 years of age.  KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.  Children under 12 years of age should only be given products labelled “CLARITIN^® Kids Syrup 24 Hour”.

• Prolonged usage should only be on the advice of a doctor. If you have liver disease, seek the advice of a doctor before using this product. Do not use if allergic to loratadine or any of the ingredients in the product. Not recommended for nursing or pregnant women.

If you are thinking about using REACTINE^®(cetirizine):

• REACTINE^®(cetirizine) should only be used by adults and children over 12 years of age.   KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.  Children under 12 years of age should only be given products labelled “REACTINE^® Children’s Liquid” or “REACTINE Fast Melt^® Juniors”.

• Do not use if you are allergic to cetirizine or to any other ingredients in the formulation; or if you have severe kidney impairment.

• If you are pregnant or nursing a baby or have liver or kidney disease, consult your doctor before use.

If you are thinking about using AERIUS^®(desloratadine)

• AERIUS^®(desloratadine) should only be used by adults and children over 12 years of age.  KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.  Children under 12 years of age should only be given products labelled “AERIUS^® Kids”.

• Prolonged treatment should only be on the advice of a doctor. Limit treatment to 14 days. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are thinking about using an intranasal corticosteroid:

• Intranasal corticosteroids should only be used during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to understand the benefits vs. risks to you and your baby.

• If you become pregnant while using this medication, consult your doctor. Intranasal corticosteroids are known to pass into breastmilk and should be avoided if you are a breastfeeding mother.

• Do not use Nasacort Allergy 24HR^® (triamcinolone acetonide) in children less than 12 years of age.

• Do not use Flonase^® Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate) in children less than 18 years of age.

• Do not use if you have active or dormant tuberculosis.

• Do not use if you have an untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral infection.

If you are thinking about using REACTINE^® Complete (pseudoephedrine and cetirizine):

•  KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. 

• Do not give to children under 12 years unless a doctor tells you to.

• Do not use with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), drugs for depression or Parkinson’s, or for 14 days after stopping the MAOI drug.

• Talk to your doctor before taking if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, chronic breathing problems, haemophilia, or difficulty in urination due to enlarged prostate or any other serious disease or taking other medicines.

If you are thinking about using AERIUS^® Double Action (desloratadine and pseudoephedrine sulfate):

• AERIUS^® Double Action (desloratadine and pseudoephedrine) should only be used by adults and children over 12 years of age.  KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.  Children under 12 years of age should only be given products labelled “AERIUS^® Kids”.

• Prolonged treatment should only be on the advice of a doctor. Limit treatment to 14 days. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

IMPORTANT

• Refer to product labelling for complete directions for use, including full warnings and other important information before use.

• To be sure any over-the-counter allergy medication is right for you, always read and follow the product labels.