Over the counter allergy control

Over-the-Counter Allergy Management: Taking Control of Your Symptoms

Introduction

Allergies can be a significant source of discomfort, affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies, food intolerances, or allergic reactions to certain substances, finding effective management strategies is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life. While prescription medications are available, many individuals prefer to start with over-the-counter (OTC) options to alleviate their symptoms.

Let's explore some of the most common OTC allergy management options and provide tips for effectively managing your allergies.

1. Antihistamines

Antihistamines are the go-to OTC medications for managing allergy symptoms. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released by your body in response to allergens. This helps relieve sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. There are two types of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation.

First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), tend to cause drowsiness and are best taken at night. Second-generation antihistamines, like levocetirizine (Xyzal), cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin), are non-drowsy options that can be taken during the day. Choose the type that suits your needs and always follow the recommended dosage.

2. Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays are highly effective for managing nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy noses caused by allergies. There are several types of nasal sprays:

Saline sprays and irrigation provide relief by moisturizing and clearing the nasal passages, reducing congestion and removing allergens. They are safe for daily use and have no known side effects.

Corticosteroid sprays, such as fluticasone propionate (Flonase) or triamcinolone acetonide (Nasacort), work by reducing inflammation and are particularly helpful for moderate to severe allergy symptoms. These work best when taking them regularly. It's important to follow the instructions for proper administration and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Antihistamine sprays have previously been Rx only, but azelastine (Astepro) is now over the counter. Relief is faster (30min) than the steroid sprays, but only lasts for about 12 hours.

Decongestant sprays help relieve nasal congestion caused by allergies. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and improving airflow. However, decongestants should be used with caution and only for short periods. Prolonged use can lead to a condition called "rebound congestion" where symptoms worsen when the medication is stopped.

Decongestant nasal sprays, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine), provide quick relief but should not be used for more than a few days.

3. Oral decongestants, like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), can be taken for a longer duration, but they may cause side effects like increased heart rate or elevated blood pressure. It's best to consult a healthcare professional before using decongestants, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.

4. Eye Drops

For individuals experiencing itchy, red, and watery eyes due to allergies, eye drops can bring much-needed relief. OTC eye drops contain antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers that help alleviate these symptoms. Antihistamine eye drops, such as ketotifen fumarate (Zaditor), work quickly to relieve itching and redness. Olopatadine (Pataday) is also available over the counter, and has longer lasting antihistamine effects. Mast cell stabilizer eye drops, like sodium cromoglycate (Opticrom), are more effective when used before exposure to allergens to prevent symptoms from occurring. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's advisable to consult a doctor.

There are many options available, and even more prescription medications that can help give relief. We would be happy to see you in clinic to discuss other treatments!