OTC Allergy Medication

Allergy is caused due to hypersensitive responses of the body's immune system to various factors, called allergens. These allergens can be anything, ranging from dust particles to plant pollens and food items. Though not a serious medical problem, there is no cure for allergies. Nevertheless, there are treatment strategies for management of symptoms and shortening the allergy outbreak duration. They are available as prescription and OTC allergy medication. Here, we shall take a look at over the counter allergy medication and its effectiveness.

OTC Allergy Medication: Information

When we say over the counter allergy drugs and medications, it is formulated with active components that are mild and safe, even when taken without the guidance of a trusted health expert. Depending upon the manifested allergy symptoms, type of over the counter allergy medication varies from one individual to another. Discussed below are classes of OTC allergy medication, along with the symptoms for which they are used:

Antihistamines
As the name suggests, antihistamines work by acting against the effects of histamines secreted by the body during allergic reactions. They help alleviate skin irritation, sneezing and runny nose. There are several types of antihistamines, which are sold as pills, syrups and nasal sprays. OTC medicine brand names for antihistamines are Dimetane, Zyrtec, Claritin and Benadryl.

Decongestants
Whether you are referring to OTC allergy medication for children or for adults, decongestants are another popularly used alternative. After antihistamines, they lead second in the OTC allergy medication list. Available in brands Contac Non-Drowsy, Sudafed PE and Sudafed, these allergy medicines are effective to clear blocked nasal passages and congestion incidences.

Combination Medicine
Over the counter combination medications for allergies (brand names, Benadryl Allergy and Zyrtec-D) are formulated with specific concentration of antihistamine and decongestant. Thus, they act as a dual purpose medicine for getting allergy relief. Another plus point of taking combination medicines is that they combat the downing effects of antihistamine drugs and blood pressure elevating effects of decongestants.

Anti-inflammatory Medication
A new OTC allergy medication is an anti-inflammatory type called Nasalcrom (Cromolyn Sodium). It is sold as a regular nasal spray that functions by reducing secretion of histamines. Indirectly, this medication combats the inflammatory responses manifested during onset of allergies. When taken before allergy outbreaks, it helps minimize sneezing, runny nose and allergies of the eyes.

OTC Allergy Medication: List

After being exposed to any of the allergens, the body secretes increased amount of certain white blood cells, responsible for causing itching, rashes and inflammatory symptoms. The effectiveness of over the counter allergy medication differs according to the manifested symptoms, level of exposure to allergens, severity of condition and the patient's responses. Listed below are some of the medications sold as over the counter products for treating allergy related symptoms:

• Tylenol Flu
• Nighttime Products
• TheraFlu
• Chlor-Trimetron
• Actifed
• Comtrex
• Dimetapp
• Tavist
• Plus NightTime
• Alka-Seltzer
• Vicks Sinex
• Neo-Synephrine
• Afrin
• Neo-Synephrine
• Napchon (for eyes)
• Naphcon-A (for eyes)
• Alavert
• Triaminic Allerchews
• Vasocon (for eyes)
• Visine (for eyes)

The best OTC allergy medication differs from one person to another. An allergy medicine that shows prompt results in a patient does not mean that it will have the same positive effects to others. Thus, allergy medicines are decided on the observed symptoms and how a person responds to a drug in treating allergic reactions. Immediately stop taking medicines, in case of worsening signs. Also, if allergy symptoms do not subside after taking over the counter allergy medicine for 1-2 days, consult a qualified physician.

As expected, OTC allergy medication is used for getting temporary relief from irritation and discomfort symptoms. For long-term treatment, allergy tests are performed and immunotherapy or allergic shots are recommended. Usually, they are derived from microbial cultures (directly or indirectly ) and focus on strengthening the immune system to fight allergy causing factors.