Best OTC Medicine For Allergies
(Pharmacist Guide)
Allergies could be acute or chronic, range in intensity and how long they last. Antihistamines are the main over the counter options that can alleviate the symptoms, but they differ in strength, tendency to cause drowsiness, and duration of effect, that is why selection of the right product is important to ensure better responses.
Find what best fits your symptoms then read the pharmacist tips to learn more about it.
If allergies are acute and severe, accompanied with itching or difficulty sleeping
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Diphenhydramine: A short-acting effective option for immediate relief, it is available in different dosage forms. [Read the pharmcist tips]
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Doxylamine:A strongly sedating long-acting effective option for overnight relief. [Read the pharmcist tips]
If you want to control seasonal allergies with minimal to no drowsiness
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Loratadine: A once daily dosing, could cause mild sedation in some individuals.[Read the pharmcist tips].
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Fexofenadine: A once daily dosing, considered the least of all antihistamines to cause sedation.[Read the pharmcist tips].
If you need a strong antihistamine, but wouldn't mind some drowsiness.
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Cetirizine: A once daily effective antihistamine with some potential for being drowsy. [Read the pharmcist tips]
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Levocetirizine: A once daily effective antihistamine with some potential for being drowsy. It is considered stronger than Cetirizine.[Read the pharmcist tips]
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Pharmacist Recommended OTC Treatment Options
Benadryl® (Diphenhydramine)
A fast-acting antihistamine that provides a strong, but short-term relief of allergy symptoms. It is highly sedating and typically taken every 4–6 hours as needed. It is available in different dosage forms as liquid formulation, and chewable tablets.
Pharmacist Tips
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Has a high tendency to cause drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinary before knowing its effect on you.
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Some people experience blurred vision on this medication.
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Common side effects include dry mouth, and secretions especially in older adults.
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Avoid combining with alcohol, other antihistamines, or sedating medications.
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Can increase eye pressure if you have glaucoma.
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Can worsen urinary retention in patients with prostatic hypertrophy.
Unisom® (Doxylamine Succinate)
A strongly sedating antihistamine with longer-lasting effects. Because of its strong sedative effect, it can be used as a sleep medicine. You can find it in many night time cough formulations to help with nasal dripping and induce sleep.
Pharmacist Tips
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Has a high tendency to cause drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinary before knowing its effect on you.
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Because it is a long-acting antihistamine, anticipate next day drowsiness as well.
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Some people experience blurred vision on this medication.
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Common side effects include dry mouth, and secretions especially in older adults.
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Avoid combining with alcohol, other antihistamines, or sedating medications.
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Can increase eye pressure if you have glaucoma.
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Can worsen urinary retention in patients with prostatic hypertrophy.
Zyrtec® 24 Hour (Cetirizine)
A once-daily antihistamine that can be used for both acute and long-term allergies suppression. It is a strong antihistamine with a tendency to cause drowsiness in some people. Available in liquid formulation and chewable tablets.
Pharmacist Tips
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Take once daily as its effect could last up to 24 hours.
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Drowsiness is still expected in some individuals, avoid driving or operating heavy machinary before knowing its effect on you.
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Avoid combining with alcohol or other sedating medications.
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Use caution (low dose and short duration) in older adults and those with glaucoma or prostate enlargement.
Xyzal® 24 Hour (Levocetirizine)
A once-daily antihistamine that can be used for both acute and long-term allergies suppression. It is a strong antihistamine with a tendency to cause drowsiness in some people. It is a similar to Cetirizine, but considered stronger. Available in tablets and liquid formulation.
Pharmacist Tips
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Take once daily as its effect could last up to 24 hours.
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Drowsiness is still expected in some individuals, avoid driving or operating heavy machinary before knowing its effect on you.
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Avoid combining with alcohol or other sedating medications.
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Use caution (low dose and short duration) in older adults and those with glaucoma or prostate enlargement.
Allegra® 24 Hour (Fexofenadine)
A non-drowsy antihistamine that provides 24-hour relief with minimal effects on alertness. It is more effective in controlling seasonal allergies, and not to be used for immediate allergy relief. Available in different formulations including liquids and dissolvable tablets.
Pharmacist Tips
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Take it once daily only, do not double up dosing to increase effectiveness.
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Avoid taking with fruit juices (orange, apple, grapefruit), which may reduce effectiveness.
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Considered non-drowsy for most people, but responses can vary.
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It could cause dry mouth in some individuals.
Claritin® 24 Hour (Loratadine)
A once-daily antihistamine that provides steady, 24-hour allergy relief with a low risk of drowsiness. It is more effective in long-term control, and less effective in an immediate allergic reaction. It is also available in liquid formulation and chewable tablets.
Pharmacist Tips
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Take it once daily only, it is a long-acting antihistamine.
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Do not double up dosing to increase effectiveness as this could increase heart rate.
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Although it is considered non-drowsy, but responses can vary.
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It could cause dry mouth in some individuals.