Millions of people suffer from allergies. With countless products on the market claiming to treat virtually every allergy symptom, it can be overwhelming to choose a product. Here’s an overview of allergy relief medications.

Antihistamines: These allergy drugs relieve symptoms but can cause drowsiness and other side effects, including dry mouth. Newer antihistamines are said to be non-sedating, although some users may experience drowsiness even from these. Antihistamines are also available as nasal sprays.

Decongestants: These relieve a stuffy nose by constricting blood vessels, which limits the amount of secretions coming from the inner lining of the nose. They are available as nasal sprays, pills and liquids. They don’t relieve other allergy symptoms such as itching and sneezing.

Corticosteroids: These are used in nasal sprays to reduce inflammation and swelling in nasal passageways. Many ointments and creams used for allergic skin reactions also contain corticosteroids. If a person is experiencing a severe allergic response, oral or injectable corticosteroids may be given.

Mast cell stabilizers: These can help prevent allergic reactions from happening when taken regularly. During an allergic reaction, specialized cells in the body known as mast cells release histamine and other substances. Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn sodium, keep these cells intact.

Leukotriene inhibitors: Other substances released during an allergic reaction are leukotrienes, which can aggravate allergic conditions and asthma. Some drugs target leukotriene receptors to reduce allergic symptoms.

Nasal anticholinergics: A runny nose is a common complaint among those with allergic rhinitis. Anticholinergic nasal sprays reduce discharge from the nose, but they do not relieve a stuffy nose.

Examples of Allergy Medications

Antihistamines:
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Desloratadine (Clarinex)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)

Decongestants (nasal):
Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

Decongestants (oral):
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Phenylephrine

Antihistamine nasal sprays:
Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro)
Olopatadine (Patanase)

Antihistamine/decongestant combination:
Zyrtec-D
Allegra-D
Claritin-D

Nasal corticosteroids:
Budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua)
Ciclesonide (Omnaris)
Fluticasone furoate (Veramyst)
Fluticasone propionate (Flonase)
Mometasone furoate (Nasonex)

Mast cell stabilizers:
Cromolyn sodium (Nasalcrom nasal spray)

Leukotriene drugs used for allergies:
Montelukast (Singulair)