Allergy Medicine

Allergy can be termed as a disorder of the immune system, where the immune system becomes hypersensitive to certain substances, called allergens. Usually, allergens are harmless substances, but a highly sensitive immune system recognizes them as potentially harmful foreign particles. The result is the production of antibodies against the allergens. Whenever the body is exposed to such allergens, the antibodies stimulate the production of histamines and other chemicals to destroy the allergens. But in the process, these chemicals cause allergic reactions. Some of the common allergens that can produce allergic reactions in some individuals are, dust, pollen, mold, animal dander, mites, insect bites, certain foods and drugs. Allergies or allergic reactions are generally treated with a number of medications.

Medications for Allergy

An allergic reaction usually produces symptoms like, sneezing, runny nose, itching, hives, skin rash, chest tightness and sometimes, breathing problems, which can be alleviated with certain medications. The various types of medications that are commonly used for allergy relief are broadly classified into six categories, which include, antihistamines, decongestants, steroids, bronchodilators, mast cell stabilizers and leukotriene modifiers.

Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the drugs that are more commonly used for treating allergic reactions. As the name suggests, these medications work by blocking histamines from attaching to the histamine receptors present in the blood vessels and thereby reduce the allergy symptoms like redness, swelling and itching. They are available as oral antihistamines (pills and liquid), antihistamine nasal sprays and antihistamine eye drops. Examples of oral antihistamines are, Claritin or Loratadine, Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra and Chlorpheniramine. Antihistamines are of two types, older or first generation antihistamines and second generation antihistamines. First generation antihistamines are known for their sedative effects. The second generation antihistamines are non-sedating and so they do not cause the common side effects like drowsiness.

Decongestants
Decongestants are basically used for relieving nasal and sinus congestion, caused by an allergic reaction. They come in the form of nasal sprays, oral decongestants and decongestants eye drops. They are meant for only short time use, as prolonged use of these medicines can worsen the allergy symptoms. Some of the common decongestants are, Zyrtec-D, Sudafed tablets or liquid, Claritin-D, phenylephrine and oxymetazoline. These decongestants cause the blood vessels and tissues to shrink, in order to reduce congestion, mucus secretion and nasal swelling. Excessive use of oral decongestants and nasal sprays can cause irregular heartbeat, headache, irritability, dizziness, high blood pressure and tremors. Prolonged use of decongestant eye drops can damage the blood vessels of the eye, besides causing redness of the eyes.

Steroids or Corticosteroids
Steroids or corticosteroids are mainly used for reducing the inflammation associated with allergies. They can be effective for nasal congestion and stuffiness, itchy and runny nose, asthma, skin allergies and allergic conjunctivitis. They can be found in the form of pills, liquids, sprays, skin creams, eye drops and also as shots. Oral corticosteroids such as, prednisone is used for treating the severe symptoms caused by allergic reaction. Their long-term use can cause cataracts, osteoporosis, growth suppression and muscle weakness. Examples of nasal corticosteroid sprays include, fluticasone, mometasone, budesonide and triamcinolone. Their common side effects are, nasal irritation and nosebleeds. Inhaled corticosteroids like triamcinolone, flunisolide, fluticasone and budesonide are used for asthma. Their long-term use can sometimes cause, cough, hoarseness, headache and infection of the mouth. For skin allergies, corticosteroid creams are used, which include hydrocortisone and triamcinolone. They can cause skin irritation and discoloration in certain individuals.

Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are the class of drugs used for relieving the asthma symptoms. These drugs relax and dilate the bronchial passageway to improve breathing. They also help to clear mucus from the lungs, and relieve wheezing and chest tightness associated with asthma. Some common types of bronchodilators are, ventolin, xopenex and maxair.

Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers are the prescription medications used for reducing mild to moderate inflammation of the bronchial tubes. They can be used for allergy symptoms like, red and itchy eyes and for preventing asthma symptoms during exercise. Mast cell stabilizers are available in the form of inhalers, nasal sprays and eye drops. Inhalers are generally used for treating asthma symptoms, while nasal sprays are used for nasal allergy.

Leukotriene Modifiers
These are the class of medications that are employed for treating the symptoms of nasal allergy and asthma. These are prescription medications, which come in the form of pills, tablets, chewables and granules. Some of the common medications of this category are, Singulair, Accolate and Zyflo.

Allergy Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are usually advised to avoid certain medications, especially during first trimester. All these are classified into five categories, known as category A, B, C, D and X. Category A medicines are those, which have been studied in case of pregnant women and are considered as safe to be used during the first trimester. Category B medicines are those which have been found to have no serious side effects in pregnant animals, but no human studies are available. Category C are the medications that may cause adverse effects on the fetus in pregnant animals. Category D are those that have been found to pose health risks to the fetus, while for the category X, evidences are there to show that they can cause birth defects in animals or humans. Before taking any kind of medications, pregnant women should always confirm the particular category of the medicine.

Pregnant women are usually advised to stay away from any kind of medications during the first trimester. Loratadine or Claritin and Chlorpheniramine fall in the pregnancy category B and hence, can be used by pregnant women in certain situations, but only with the prior approval of their physicians. Other allergy medications that may be used by pregnant women are, Cromolyn nasal spray, cetirizine, Xyzal and Pseudoephedrine. Like pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers should also avoid certain medications. Fexofenadine or Allegra is the more commonly used while breastfeeding. Nursing mothers can also use Loratadine at times. However, be sure to talk to your physician before taking any kind of allergy medications.

Allergy Medication for Kids

Young children and toddlers should be given medications, only after consulting their health care provider. In general, the more commonly used medication for toddlers is Zyrtec. Allegra and Claritin can also be used for treating allergies in kids. Claritin is approved for children over 2 years, while Zyrtec can be used for children over 6 months. Clarinex is another drug that can be used for children over age 6 months. Singulair can be used for treating asthma symptoms in kids. The granular form of the medicine can be given to children older than 6 months, while the chewable tablets are approved for children above 4 years. Allegra is available as an oral suspension, which can be used for children between the ages of 2 to 11 years.

Before using these medicines, please talk to your physician. This is particularly applicable for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children.