Allergy Medicine 101
Antihistamines
Form
Pill, liquid & nasal spray
Uses
Antihistamines block histamines, compounds released by cells in response to injury, allergic and inflammatory reactions while helping to relieve annoying allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and itchy throat or nose.
Decongestants
Form
Pill, liquid & nasal spray
Uses
Alleviates both nasal and sinus congestion by shrinking swollen membranes. Sometimes decongestants are combined with an antihistamine like ZYRTEC®-D.
Antihistamine Eye Drops
Form
Eye drops of course
Uses
These types of eye drops are designed to help relieve itchy, watery eyes, which affects over 80% of people with allergies.
Intranasal Corticosteroids
Form
Nasal sprays
Uses
Relieves nasal congestion and other nasal allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation in the nose.
Immunotherapy
Form
Allergy shots, pills and oral drops
Uses
Treatment administered by a doctor that gradually gives increasing doses of allergens to provoke an antibody response, reduce your sensitivity and increase your tolerance of allergens.
