Allergy Medication: Should I Buy It at the Pharmacy or Ask the Doctor? (Allergy Medication)

Imagine that you suddenly start to itch, your eyes are red, your nose is runny , and you sneeze nonstop. At times like these, many of us are used to rushing to the nearest pharmacy to get some allergy medicine, right? It seems like an easy and quick solution. But is this always the case? Why is it sometimes important to consult a doctor before taking medication? Let's talk about this in a simple way today.

What is the main difference between these two?

Simply put, there are two ways to buy medicine. One is to buy it directly from a pharmacy without a prescription , which is a prescription from a doctor. The other is to get prescription drugs, which are prescribed by a doctor based on your medical condition.

It is dangerous to do this on your own without a doctor's prescription, because even though the drug is the same, there are different concentrations.

Imagine that your hand has been bitten by an ant and is red and itchy. You can buy a low-strength hydrocortisone cream, like 1%, from the pharmacy and apply it. But if you have a more complex skin condition like eczema, your doctor will probably prescribe a stronger hydrocortisone cream, like 2.5%. See the difference?

Sometimes, the way these two types of medication work in the body can be completely different. For example, if you have an allergic condition like hay fever , you can get an antihistamine pill like cetirizine, fexofenadine, or loratadine from the pharmacy to help with sneezing, runny nose, and itching . These work by blocking a chemical called histamine that our bodies produce when we have an allergy. However, a doctor may prescribe a medication like Montelukast . It works by blocking a different chemical involved in the allergic reaction. This means it works in a completely different way.

To easily understand these changes, see this table.

Is it okay to continue using the medicine you buy from the pharmacy?

In most cases, medications like antihistamines and nasal steroids are safe to continue using as long as your symptoms persist, if you follow the instructions.

Also, research has found a link between taking high doses of some older antihistamines (such as those containing diphenhydramine) over many years and dementia, a memory disorder that occurs with age. So it's wise to talk to your doctor before taking any medication long-term.

So, when do you need to get medicine from a doctor?

If your allergy is severe enough to be life-threatening (e.g., difficulty breathing), or if it is bothersome enough to interfere with your daily activities, it is best to see an allergist.

You may definitely need a prescription from a doctor in the following cases:

• If you have allergic symptoms for several months of the year .
• If your allergy is not controlled by the medications you buy from the pharmacy, or if the medications are causing you uncomfortable side effects.
• If your allergies cause persistent nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, or frequent sinus infections .
• If this allergy is causing a major disruption to your daily activities (schoolwork, work) .

There is one more very important thing. If you are taking allergy medication from a doctor, be sure to ask your doctor before taking another allergy medication (especially an antihistamine) from the pharmacy in the meantime. Taking some medications together can increase side effects or even cause dangerous reactions.

When to give allergy medicine to young children?

Young children can sometimes be given the same medications as adults, but in lower doses. The most important thing is to read the instructions on the medicine packet or bottle carefully and follow the dosage instructions.

There are now antihistamines that are specifically made for children, and they come in the form of sweet-tasting syrups and chewable tablets.

If you have any doubts or concerns about giving your child medicine, it's best to talk to your child's doctor before doing anything else. That's the best way to keep your child safe.