Allergies Allergy Treatment

Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications

Author:

Morris Nejat, MD

Bellevue Hospital Center / New York University Medical Center

Medically Reviewed On: September 11, 2006

Introduction
Sneezing, wheezing, coughing and sniffling. So many allergy symptoms, so little time to get to the doctor for a prescription. Luckily, there are number of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help vanquish your symptoms. In fact, many OTC allergy drugs were once prescription products, and their effectiveness is typically equivalent to their prescription counterpart. Of course, navigating the sea of OTC products can be challenging. One thing to remember is that the same generic drug is often sold under multiple brand names. Still other products combine different generic drugs to treat a variety of allergy and cold symptoms. By understanding what is in your favorite OTC products, you will be able to save 25 percent to 75 percent by buying the generic equivalent. But first you need to know which medications are best for your particular symptoms.

Allergy Symptoms
Sneezing and itchy nose, throat and ears: These are the most common complaints of the allergy sufferer. These symptoms can be associated with seasonal triggers such as ragweed pollen, or ever-present triggers such as pets. The first line of treatment for these symptoms is antihistamines. During an allergic reaction, mast cells, which are found all over the body, release the chemical histamine, which in turn triggers allergy symptoms. Antihistamines block this action. The most popular OTC antihistamines are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), clemastine (Tavist) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimetron).

Side effects
A common side effect of antihistamines is drowsiness - so common, in fact, that some manufacturers have taken advantage of the effect and created sleep aids out of antihistamines. Popular examples include Unisom, Nytol and Sominex. In fact, diphenhydramine is almost as popular a sleep aid as it is an allergy product.

Because of this, over-the-counter antihistamines may impair your judgment and reflexes as much as alcohol does. It is best to avoid driving for a while after taking these medications. When combined with alcohol, they may have an even greater effect. Also, men with enlarged prostates may experience urinary retention while taking these products. For moderate to severe symptoms, or if the side effects of the treatment are intolerable, you should consult an allergy specialist to get one of the newer antihistamines that have fewer side effects.

In addition, drugs called mast cell stabilizers, like NasalCrom, can treat the same symptoms that antihistamines do. NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium) nasal spray is as an over-the-counter treatment for allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hayfever. This product boasts an impressive safety profile, but is limited as far as usefulness. To achieve maximum benefit, one would need to use NasalCrom three to four times a day and give the medicine up to one month to start to work.

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