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Non-Drowsy Allergy Medications Available Over The Counter

Although not all allergy medications are available over the counter, some, however, can be easily procured even without doctor’s prescription. The most common two kinds of over the counter, non drowsy allergy medications are antihistamines and decongestants. Over the counter drugs can act as first aid in more severe cases especially if you are far from a hospital and is in an emergency situation. Over the counter drugs can also give immediate relief for mild symptoms of allergies.

Second generation anti histamines give relief from mild symptoms (especially seasonal allergies) of allergy for twenty four hours and are non drowsy so you can take it even while at work. Some examples are Claritin, astemazole, loratadine, alavert and terfenadine. These particular antihistamines are generally non-sedating and do not keep you from performing activities that require mental alertness. However, it is best to steer clear of alcoholic beverages when taking antihistamines even if it is non drowsy or non-sedating. Reviews about some of the specific brand names listed above are mostly positive and users claim no side effects especially drowsiness. These medicines have quite powerful effect on allergy symptoms. It even eliminates post nasal drips that build up and can cause coughing.

Use anti histamines when experiencing itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat and nose. People with seasonal and food allergies always keep these medications within reach. There are many chemical classes of this particular drug. A person who does not benefit from one kind or type may obtain positive result from another class or kind or even brand. An allergic symptom is generally the same but your body’s response to the allergen varies in degree. A specific allergy drug may work well with you but has no significant effect on others. Even if you use over the counter medicines often and they work for you every time, it is still advisable to consult your doctor about your allergy and what medicine suits you best. Remember that if you have a specific allergy, it also makes you susceptible to other allergy triggers unknown to you.

Another class of histamine blocking drugs is conventionally not considered as antihistamines. However, it is efficient in lessening production of acid in the stomach. Examples of these drugs are ranitidine and cimetidine. These medicines may be helpful for those with ulcers and at the same time are suffering from allergies.

These drugs come in many form. It is available in pills, tablets, liquid, capsules, and quick or fast dissolve liquid gel form. Differentiating non drowsy antihistamines from those that make you drowsy can be confusing. First class or first generation antihistamines can make you feel drowsy and often slows down mental and even physical alertness. Some examples of sedating histamine blockers are benadryl and actifed. People taking antihistamines and are not sure of its side effects should do well to avoid driving and other functions and activities that require mental and physical alertness.

Also, it is important to note that while these drugs does not cause drowsiness, it can still have side effects such as dry mouth and irregularities of heart beat. Again, it is best to get prescription from your licensed physician.

Another common non drowsy, over the counter allergy medication are decongestants. These are used especially by those who suffer from allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Over the counter decongestants greatly aids in clearing congestion in the nose area. If you have difficulty breathing due to stuffy nose, taking decongestants will lessen the blood flow to your eyes, ears, and nose which in turn diminishes fluid in those areas thereby, removing the congestion.

Over the counter decongestants also come in many forms. It comes in tablets, liquid, eye drops, nasal spray or nasal drops. When using spray or nose drops however, be careful not to overuse it. Do not use nasal drops or sprays for more than three days as it can add further swelling of the nasal area thereby causing further congestion. Decongestants such as Sudafed, robitussin, Dimetapp, Dristan, and afrin are some examples which can be bought without prescription.

There are some over the counter medicine that combines antihistamines and decongestants. This type of medicine is not however recommended for common colds as it does not concern allergies.