It’s one thing to know the allergy medicines and treatments available. It’s another thing entirely to know which one is right for YOU. Certain medications work well with specific allergies, while other options are a better fit for patients with different allergy triggers.
Let’s examine which medications work best with which allergy types and evaluate their side effects to better determine the best allergy medicine to target your symptoms, reduce your reactions, and improve your overall health.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are effective at stopping allergic reactions for people who suffer from:
- Airborne allergies (pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, etc.)
- Food allergies
- Insect sting or bite allergies
- Latex allergies
- Medication allergies
- Seasonal allergies (pollen)
Antihistamines can be effective for pretty much any allergy patient since an allergic reaction occurs when the immune system releases too much histamine into the bloodstream to fight off the allergen.
However, not all antihistamines are ideal for all patients.
Side Effects of Antihistamines
First Generation Antihistamines
First-generation antihistamines were the first formulas to hit the market for allergy patients. These include:
- Brompheniramine (such as Children’s Dimetapp Cold)
- Dimenhydrinate (such as Dramamine)
- Diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl or Sominex)
- Doxylamine (such as NyQuil)
And others.
They were/are effective at treating allergy symptoms. However, they are also more likely to cause side effects like:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion or reduced mental clarity
- Anxiety
- Vision issues
- Urinary or bowel complications
Patients taking certain medications or dealing with specific medical conditions should avoid first-generation antihistamines. These conditions can include:
- Emphysema or chronic bronchitis
- Enlarged prostate
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid disease
And more.
Second-Generation Antihistamines
Newer antihistamine formulas come with fewer side effects and are effective for more patients. Examples include:
- Cetirizine (such as Zyrtec)
- Fexofenadine (such as Allegra)
- Loratadine (such as Claritin)
And others.
There is still risk involved with taking a second-generation antihistamine, though, especially if you suffer from kidney disease or liver disease.
Before taking a new antihistamine medication for your allergies, talk to your trusted allergy specialist about possible side effects or complications.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
Another allergy medication that interferes with the immune system’s overreaction to an allergen is the mast cell stabilizer. This medication is effective for allergy types like:
- Airborne allergies
- Asthma
- Eye allergies
- Food allergies
- Seasonal allergies
Mast cell stabilizers are generally safe and effective for patients of all ages, from children as young as to adults and seniors. However, certain side effects and restrictions apply.
Side Effects of Mast Cell Stabilizers
While considered generally safe, mast cell stabilizers can lead to side effects that include:
- Blurred vision
- Eye irritation (if administered via eye drops)
- Headaches
- Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Skin rashes and hives
- Stomach pain
Generally speaking, mast cell stabilizers are safe and tolerated by most patients. Still, discuss taking this medication with your allergist before starting.
Decongestants
A short-term relief solution for congestion, decongestants are effective for patients who suffer from:
- Airborne allergies
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Seasonal allergies
Decongestants do not help prevent allergic reactions, but they do temporarily target the swelling of the blood vessels in the nose, which helps open up airways and allows for proper drainage.
Side Effects of Decongestants
It is possible to experience negative side effects when using decongestants, especially those in pill form. These include:
- Dizziness
- Increase in blood pressure
- Increased anxiety
- Increased heart rates
- Sleep disruption, insomnia, or restlessness
Patients dealing with certain medical conditions should avoid using decongestants or talk with their doctor before use. These conditions include:
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pregnancy
- Prostate disease
- Type 2 diabetes
If you have never taken a decongestant before, speak with your allergist about whether this allergy medication is right for you.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids work for allergy patients who experience swelling after encountering an allergen. This medication is effective for patients with:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Food allergies
- Insect sting or bite allergies
- Medication allergies
- Seasonal allergies
- Skin allergies
While corticosteroids do not interfere with the chain of events that lead to any allergic reactions, they do interfere with the swelling that develops once a reaction starts.
Side Effects of Corticosteroids
There are various side effects patients can experience with corticosteroids, depending on the form they use.
Nasal Spray
- Throat or nasal irritation
- Nasal dryness
Patients with certain medical conditions or a history of certain medical conditions should check with their allergist before using nasal corticosteroids. These conditions include:
- Asthma
- Glaucoma
- Heart attacks
- Hyperthyroidism
- Liver disease
- Nose injuries
- Nasal sores
- Nose surgery
- Type 2 diabetes
Oral Corticosteroids
- Changes in appetite
- Depression
- Elevated blood pressure
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Increased anxiety
- Muscle fatigue or weakness
- Stomach upset
- Vision changes
- Water retention in the legs
- Weakened immune system
Patients with certain medical conditions should avoid taking oral corticosteroids or check with their allergist before using the medication. These conditions include:
- Chickenpox
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Osteoporosis
- Systemic myosis, or infection of the internal organs
Inhaled Corticosteroids
- Fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush)
- Hoarseness
Patients with certain medical conditions should avoid taking inhaled corticosteroids or check with their allergist before using the medication. These conditions include:
- Asthma
- Glaucoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver disease
- Osteoporosis
- Tuberculosis
- Untreated infections
Topical Ointments
- Acne
- Lesions
- Skin thinning
Patients with certain medical conditions should avoid taking topical corticosteroids or check with their allergist before using the medication. These conditions include:
- Acne
- Perioral dermatitis
- Pregnancy or women who are breastfeeding
- Rosacea
- Untreated infections
Choosing the best allergy medicine for you can be tricky. For the best guidance, turn to the experts at Langford Allergy.
Dr. Langford and our team are dedicated to helping allergy patients reduce their symptoms and face their days with clarity. Schedule an appointment to discover the most effective allergy medicines available and the ones that are best for you and your health.
Schedule your allergy appointment with our team today: 478-787-4728
Langford Allergy delivers allergy, asthma, and immunodeficiency care to patients throughout Middle Georgia, including:
- Macon, GA
- Warner Robins, GA
- Milledgeville, GA
- Forsyth, GA
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