Sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion. Yikes! Sound familiar? These are just a few signs that you are experiencing seasonal allergies. Fear not though. Tria Health wants to help you not let your allergies defeat you this spring. Learn about the different kinds of medications you can take to help with seasonal allergies.
Mayo Clinic provides a full list of the allergy medications you can take for the different symptoms you may experience. We have listed a few common medications that are available through pills, liquids, shots, nasal sprays, etc.
1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines block the histamines, chemicals that your immune system makes.
Pills and liquids – orally these can ease a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, swelling, and other signs of allergies.
Less likely to cause drowsiness:
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy)
- Desloratadine (Clarinex)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra Allergy)
Tend to cause drowsiness:
- Diphenhydramine
- Chlorpheniramine
Nasal sprays – The nasal sprays help relieve sneezing, itchy or runny nose, sinus congestion, and postnasal drip. The following sprays are by prescription only:
- Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro)
- Olopatadine (Patanase)
Eye drops – The eye drops can ease itchy, red, swollen eyes. The side effects could include headaches or dry eyes. If they burn or sting, put them in the refrigerator before using them.
- Ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor)
- Olopatadine (Pataday, Patanol, Pazeo)
- Pheniramine and naphazoline (Visine, Opcon-A, others)
2. Decongestants
Decongestants are not recommended for people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, or hyperthyroidism.
Pills and liquids – The oral decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Most of them are a combination of decongestant and an antihistamine:
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D 12 Hour)
- Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine (Clarinex-D)
- Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D)
- Loratadine and pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D)
Nasal sprays and drops – The spray and drops help relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Use caution wen taking these more than three consecutive days. This can result in a cycle where the congestion recurs or gets worse.
- Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
- Tetrahydrozoline (Tyzine)
3. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids help suppress allergy-related inflammation.
Nasal sprays – The sprays prevent and relieve stuffiness, sneezing and runny nose.
- Budesonide (Rhinocort)
- Fluticasone furoate (Flonase Sensimist)
- Fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief)
Inhalers – These are often used daily as a treatment for asthma that is caused by reactions to airborne allergens. The following are prescription only inhalers:
- Beclomethasone (Qvar Redihaler)
- Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler)
- Fluticasone (Flovent)
These are just a few of the many kinds of medications you can use. Ask your doctor or local pharmacist what may work best for you. Let this year be the year that you take back control of your allergies.
Tria Health Can Answer Your Medication Questions
If Tria Health is offered through your benefits plan, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one, private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. If you’re interested in exploring medication treatments for allergies, Tria’s pharmacist will be able to provide you with recommendations.
Questions?
Call the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742
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