Multi-symptom Allergy
Over the counter relief options
Troubled with seasonal allergies?
People with seasonal allergies often experience a combination of symptoms that affect their nose, eyes, and overall well-being. These may include sneezing, a clear runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, scratchy throat, and postnasal drip with coughing. Some individuals also feel facial pressure or sinus discomfort, which may be mistaken for a sinus infection.
There are several oral formulations for allergies, they help with different symptoms from redness to itchiness, some of them are drowsy others are less, the frequency or administration could also be different from one to another.
Pharmacist-recommended products​​
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​Sedating Antihistamines
​​Benadryl® (Diphenhydramine)
Fast and short acting antihistamine that relieves sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and hives. Strongly sedating, best used at night or when rest is possible. it could be used for sleep based on the dose. Could be take every 4-6 hours if needed.​​
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Unisom® (Doxylamine Succinate)
A sedating antihistamine that eases nighttime allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and hives) while promoting deeper sleep. Reserved for evening use due to next-day drowsiness risk. Mostly indicated for sleep.
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Mild to moderate drowsiness antihistamines
Zyrtec® 24 Hour (Cetirizine)
Works within about an hour and provides full-day control of allergy symptoms. May cause mild drowsiness in some users.
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Xyzal® 24 Hour (Levocetirizine)
Active isomer of cetirizine, offering faster onset and steady 24-hour relief. Generally low sedation risk, but some people may still feel drowsy.
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Non-Drowsy Antihistamines (Best for Daytime)
Allegra® 24 Hour (Fexofenadine)
A true non-drowsy antihistamine that provides strong, long-lasting relief from sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms. It does not cross the blood–brain barrier as easily as other antihistamines, making it one of the best options for people who need reliable allergy control without affecting alertness, focus, or daytime performance. Effective for both seasonal and year-round allergies.
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Claritin® 24 Hour (Loratadine)
A daily, low-sedating antihistamine that helps manage common allergy symptoms while maintaining wakefulness for most users. It works more gently than some other options, making it a good choice for mild to moderate allergies when you want relief without feeling tired. Claritin has a slower onset than cetirizine or fexofenadine but provides steady, 24-hour coverage for consistent daytime relief.
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If you need stronger antihistamines, choose diphenhydramine, doxylamine,
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If you are ok with some sedation and to keep potency, use cetirizine, or levocetirizine depending on individual tolerance.
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For a once-daily, non-drowsy morning option, fexofenadine (Allegra®) or loratadine (Claritin®) are best.
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Always match your choice to your lifestyle—nighttime relief vs. daytime alertness—and avoid doubling up unless recommended by your healthcare provider.
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