What are common over the counter drugs for allergy?

By Joel Escol

Majority of us suffer from some types of allergy at some point in our lives.

Allergy, according to health experts, is very common and there is no cure in it. However, there are medications that doctors prescribe to alleviate the symptoms.

For all types of allergies, medications are readily available at the local drugstores. However, some of these drugs require a doctor’s prescription while some can be bought over the counter.

To treat nasal allergies, there are available antihistamines and decongestants that we can buy even without a doctor’s prescription. They come in the form of pills, liquid, inhalers, nasal sprays, skin creams or drops.

Nasal sprays are used to treat the signs and symptoms of year-round or seasonal allergies. Example of nasal sprays commonly used is Cromolyn (Nasalcrom), which can be used at least three or four times a day.

But nasal sprays can cause sneezing or nasal stinging.

Among the common medicines classified as antihistamines that can be readily bought over the counter are Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl, Allegra, Dimetane, Tavist and Chlor-Trimeton.

Antihistamines relieve runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and swelling. However, those who take antihistamines must, however, refrain from driving, especially heavy machineries, and avoid doing dangerous activities since one proven side effect of this specific drug, particularly the older types like Benadryl and Tavist, is drowsiness. But there are those that were recently manufactured that are non-sedating and are therefore safe to use.

Aside from drowsiness, antihistamines may also cause dry mouth.

Meanwhile, decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion and are usually prescribed along with antihistamines.

Among the decongestants that can be bought over the counter include Sudafed tablets and liquids, Afrin nasal sprays and Neo-Synephrine.

Aside from treating congestion, decongestants also relieve nasal swelling, redness and severe mucus secretion.

As with any other medications, there are also proven side effects for decongestants. This drug may raise blood pressure and is not recommended to those suffering from high blood pressure.

Decongestants are also not recommended for persons with glaucoma.

Aside from raising blood pressure, decongestants may also cause insomnia, irregular heartbeat, restricted urinary flow, dizziness, headache, tremor, anxiety and irritability.

Skin creams, on the other hand, relieve allergic reactions on the skin such as itching and scaling.

Among the most-commonly used skin creams are Cortaid and Kenalog. However, long-term use of skin creams may cause thinning of the skin which may result to easy bruising. That’s why it is important that you talk with your doctor about using skin creams.

For allergies that affect the eyes, Visine eye drops can be used and are available over the counter.

Antihistamine eyedrops that are used to treat itching, redness and swollen eyes include Zaditor, Alaway and Opcon-A. However, these drugs can cause red and watery eyes, headache, and mild stinging or burning. These are not also recommended for those who are wearing contact lenses due to the risk of eye inflammation.

When taking any over the counter drugs for your allergy, it is best to note down the effects and side effects and discuss with your doctor any discomfort that you experience.

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Joel Escol is an online media professional, Internet Entrepreneur and Network Builder. He has an allergy problem so that he shares to this blog how to properly treat allergy while you will have also the opportunity to earn in the process. Joel is now earning $1000 per month online.