Best Over-the-counter Allergy Medicines

Causes for allergic reactions in humans can vary from pollen grains to pets, and to pollution. Sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose are some common symptoms experienced by people having allergies. In extreme cases, people may also suffer from congestion that may restrict their ability to breathe properly. Though there are lots of different drugs and medications available that claim to offer immediate allergy relief, before trying any of those you should have some idea about different allergy relief medicine options.

• Antihistamines: These medications work by restricting histamine from interacting with the nasal tissue, hence preventing the signs of allergies even before they start. When you come in contact with something that you are allergic to, your body cells secrete histamine, a chemical that causes itching and sneezing. Hence, these medications prevent the cells from releasing a whole cascade of such allergy-inducing chemicals.
• Decongestants: These medications reduce the swelling in your head and nose, relieve the pressure and improve airflow through your sinuses.
• Topical Corticosteroids: Although not recommended quite often, these medications also help in controlling itching, swelling and inflammations caused due to allergies.

Best Medications for Allergy Relief

Allergy medications come in various forms like pills, liquids, nasal sprays, eye drops, skin creams and injections. Choosing the best allergy medicines over the counter is very important for dealing with allergies and getting your life back to normal. Therefore, here are some of the best allergy medications for effective and fast allergy relief.

Zyrtec (Cetirizine): Cetirizine is the generic name for Zyrtec, a second generation antihistamine that works well for treating nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis. It can be taken on a daily basis during certain times of the year, depending upon the allergy.

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): Diphenhydramine is the generic name for Bendadryl which is an excellent antihistamine. Though it makes people sleepy, it works quite fast and is best for sudden unexpected allergic reactions. It also works great for itchy skin rashes but has an effect that lasts only for 4 to 6 hours.

Cortaid: Cortaid is an anti-itching cream that contains 1% hydrocortisone as an active ingredient. It helps in curing any kind of skin allergic reaction which may occur due to poison oak or ivy, chemicals in makeup, shampoo or even toothpaste. Therefore, this cream, along with one of the antihistamine will surely help you in treating skin allergies and rashes.

Visine-A: These eye drops comprises two main components: naphazoline and pheniramine maleate. Naphazoline constricts the blood vessels on the surface of the eye and helps in removing redness from the eyes. Pheniramine maleate is an antihistamine which restricts the histamine from causing allergic symptoms.

Ocean Sinus Irrigation: It is a qualified salt water solution that comes in a simple spray bottle or a large canister. It cleans out your nose and sinuses especially if you have a sinus infection. It also helps in removing mucous present in the back of your throat, hence, the salt water solution flushes everything out and prevents allergic reactions from occurring.

Crolom Eye Drops: These eye drops prevent allergies of the eyes from happening, but do not treat the symptoms directly. It blocks the cells in your eyes from secreting chemicals that cause itching. Since it is completely safe, you can use these drops on a daily basis, starting a couple of weeks before you usually get eye allergies.

These were some best allergy medicines over the counter that are available and can be taken before the time of the year you actually get allergies. If you are already having the symptoms, it may take a couple of weeks to know whether these medications are helping or not. If the symptoms remain same or get worse, it's recommended to consult a doctor and take the necessary prescribed medication.