Do you also sneeze continuously when you touch a piece of dust? Or do you get itchy after eating something? For some people, having a stuffy nose, runny nose, and red, itchy eyes is a very unpleasant experience. There is really no permanent cure for this condition called allergies. But don't worry, there are many medications that can control these annoying symptoms and give you great relief. Today, let's talk about the medications given for these allergies.
What are antihistamines?
Antihistamines are a common name we hear when we talk about allergies. They have been used to control allergy symptoms for years. They are available in the form of tablets, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops.
Simply put, when your body is exposed to something you are allergic to, such as a dust particle, your immune system overreacts. Then, a special type of cell called mast cells releases a chemical called histamine. This histamine is responsible for everything from itching to sneezing, runny nose, and red eyes. So, what these antihistamines do is block the action of this chemical called histamine.
| Type of medicine | Examples and notes |
|---|---|
| Non-sedating pills | These are now widely used. Examples: Cetirizine, Loratadine, Fexofenadine, Levocetirizine. These cause very little drowsiness. |
| Sedating pills | These are older medications. They can make you very sleepy, so don't take them if you're driving or operating machinery. Examples: Chlorpheniramine (Piriton), Diphenhydramine. |
| Eye Drops and Nasal Sprays | Eye drops are used to treat red and itchy eyes, and nasal sprays are used to treat things like itchy nose and sneezing. Examples: Ketotifen (eye drops), Azelastine (nasal spray). |
What are the side effects of antihistamines?
The main effect of older medications is drowsiness . Also, some people may not feel sleepy when taking these medications, but they may have difficulty concentrating and may have a slower reaction time. Therefore, you should be very careful when using these medications.
Other side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Slightly blurred vision
- Difficulty urinating
- Headache
- Fatigue
Decongestants
A stuffy nose and difficulty breathing are the biggest problems with allergies. Decongestants are a type of medicine that can help relieve this. When you have an allergy, the tissues and blood vessels inside your nose swell. These medicines work by reducing the swelling and opening up your nose. They come in the form of pills, liquids, and nasal sprays.
Very important: Do not use nasal decongestant sprays (e.g. Oxymetazoline) for more than three to four days. If you continue to use them, your nasal congestion may worsen (rebound congestion). So always follow your doctor's instructions.
Side effects of decongestants
These medications can increase blood pressure. Therefore, they are not recommended for people with high blood pressure or glaucoma. They can also cause insomnia and restlessness.
Combination Drugs
Sometimes you may have multiple allergy symptoms at once. For example, a stuffy nose and sneezing. For these cases, there are pills that combine an antihistamine and a decongestant. Examples of such medications include Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D) or Loratadine + Pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D). These provide relief for multiple symptoms at once.
Let's learn about Steroids / Corticosteroids
Steroids are a very effective medication for controlling inflammation, swelling, and redness caused by allergies. They are great for stuffy noses, sneezing, and itchy noses.
These also come in different forms:
- Nasal sprays : These are most commonly used for nasal allergies. (Ex: Fluticasone, Mometasone)
- Pills/Liquids: Given for a short period of time for severe allergic conditions or conditions like asthma.
- Creams: Used for skin allergies (contact dermatitis).
- Eye Drops: Used for allergic conjunctivitis.
Remember, to get the most benefit from steroid medications, especially nasal sprays, you need to continue using them as directed by your doctor, even on days when you don't have symptoms. It can take a week or two to see results.
Nasal sprays can sometimes cause dryness or minor bleeding inside the nose. If you experience any discomfort, talk to your doctor.
Other specific medications and treatments
In addition to the above, there are several other types of medications.
- Mast Cell Stabilizers: These work by stabilizing the histamine-producing 'mast cells' we talked about earlier and preventing the release of histamine. Cromolyn sodium is an example of this.
- Leukotriene Modifiers: During an allergic reaction, another chemical called 'leukotrienes' is produced, along with histamine. These medications work by blocking its action. Montelukast (Singulair) is a commonly used medication of this type.
- Immunotherapy: This is a different, long-term treatment. It can be very effective for people who suffer from allergies most of the year. It involves giving your body's immune system a small dose of the allergen, which you start with and gradually increase, either as allergy shots or sublingual tablets. This should be done under the supervision of a specialist.
- Simple non-medication remedies: Sometimes rinsing the nose with a saline nasal spray can help relieve nasal congestion and mucus. Also, non-medicated eye drops called artificial tears can help reduce dryness and itching in the eyes.
Take-Home Message
- Since there are many types of allergy medications, always consult a doctor to choose the one that best suits your symptoms and health condition. Never use medications that others are using.
- Some allergy medications (especially older antihistamines) can cause severe drowsiness . Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery if you are taking such medications.
- Avoid using decongestant nasal sprays for more than a few days without your doctor's advice.
- To get the best results from steroid nasal sprays, it is important to use them correctly, daily, and as directed by your doctor.
- If you experience any unusual side effects while using any medication, stop taking the medication immediately and inform your doctor.
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