Types of Allergy Medication
Allergy medications can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. Over-the-counter allergy medications often cause drowsiness while prescription medications do not. The different types of medications treat specific allergies by preventing or reducing the symptoms. Allergy medications can be given as injections, liquids, creams for the skin, nasal sprays and eye drops. A doctor should be consulted before giving children any type of allergy medication.
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Antihistamines
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This type of allergy medication blocks the chemical histamine that cause allergies. Antihistamine allergy medication is available in pill, liquid, nasal spray and eye drops. They are short acting and often cause drowsiness. Over-the-counter allergy medications are sometimes combined with decongestants. Prescription oral medication is available from a doctor. Astelin, also known as azelastine, is a prescription nasal spray that can help relieve allergy symptoms for up to 12 hours. Antihistamine eye drops such as Patanol help to relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies.
Corticosteroids
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Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory allergy medications for the itching and swelling due to allergies. Nasal spray corticosteroids are the most commonly used form to treat sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. They are available in over-the-counter creams to help such allergic symptoms as dermatitis, hives and reactions to insect bites.
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Decongestants
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Decongestants are used to relieve nasal congestion associated with allergies and are available in oral, eye drops and nasal spray forms. Caution is advised when using the nasal sprays as they may cause nasal congestion if used longer than three to four days. These types of allergy medications should not be used by pregnant women or people with high blood pressure.
Leukotriene Blockers
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Allergy symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, itchy eyes and runny nose are caused by a substance called leukotrienes. It is available as a prescription allergy medication to relieve the inflammation associated with allergies.
Epinephrine
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Epinephrine is a type of allergy medication used for emergency treatment for people who have severe allergic reactions to food, insect stings and bites and other medications. Epinephrine is adrenalin and will prevent anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal. This allergy medication is given by a self-injecting syringe or pen. People with severe allergic reactions should seek immediate medical attention.
Allergy Shots
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Allergy shots are also known as immunotherapy injections and can relieve the symptoms associated with allergic asthma or hay fever. People receive regular allergy shots that contain extracts of a particular allergen to prevent an allergic reaction to certain things such as cat dander, pollen or dust mites. They are an alternative for people who may experience too many side effects from other forms of allergy medications.
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