Allergy Medicine

What can I take for allergies?

Many people experience allergy symptoms when exposed to certain substances (allergens) indoors or outdoors—often seasonally. When your body recognizes a harmless allergen as a possible threat, symptoms including runny or stuffy nose, cough and congestion, headache, sneezing, itchy eyes, and fatigue may happen.

Allergy medicine can offer relief for bothersome symptoms, and it’s available in a variety of over-the-counter forms including oral tablets or gel caps, nasal sprays, eye drops. Many different allergy medicines are available for purchase in stores or online at Walgreens, including generic allergy medicine like generic claritin, generic zyrtec, generic flonase, generic xyzal, generic mucinex, and more. Some allergy medicines may last for up to 24 hours while others may be short-acting. You should always check with your healthcare provider before starting an allergy medicine as some may not be appropriate if you have certain health conditions or take other types of medicine.

What are antihistamines?

Antihistamines are a type of medicine taken for symptoms caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. Oral antihistamines (also called H1 blockers) are commonly used for allergy symptom relief. Walgreens has many antihistamine options available for purchase in stores and online. Tablets, capsules, and liquid antihistamines are taken orally as directed. If you have itchy, watery eyes from allergies, there are antihistamine eye drops that can help. Antihistamine nasal spray may also offer relief for people experiencing a runny or stuffy nose from allergies.

Antihistamines may not be recommended for everyone, especially people with certain health conditions. Some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness or dryness of the mouth when taking antihistamines. You should ask your healthcare provider about an allergy medicine that may be appropriate for you.

Can you take allergy medicine daily?

Some allergy medicine may be taken daily. However, long-term treatment and management of any allergies should be discussed with your healthcare provider. You should carefully review and follow all instructions on the product package as directed.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays

Another type of allergy medicine, corticosteroid nasal sprays are intended to reduce swelling and mucous in your nose and sinuses. People often use these nasal sprays to help with seasonal allergies. You may need to take a corticosteroid nasal spray for a few days or weeks before you notice nasal symptom relief.

Decongestants

People commonly experience a stuffy nose when allergies arise. Decongestants can help relieve congestion in your nose from allergies and other upper respiratory causes. You can find decongestants in liquid or pill form, nasal sprays, and in combination with other medicines such as antihistamines. Decongestants are not the same as antihistamines, but they should be taken with similar caution. People with certain medical conditions should not use decongestants. Ask your healthcare provider if decongestant products are a suitable option for you.

Complementary and supplemental allergy remedies

Complementary or alternative allergy remedies are available at Walgreens in stores or online as well. People may use sinus rinses or washes to cleanse their sinuses or steam inhalers and personal mist devices to help loosen congestion and nasal stuffiness. Sinus washes and steam inhalers should be used as directed, with appropriate nasal rinsing products such as sterile saline (salt water) or sterile water, to avoid possibly causing an infection. Oral immune supplements may offer immune support with natural ingredients. A limited number of studies suggests that elderberry may offer relief symptoms of flu or other upper respiratory conditions for some people. More research is needed to support the effectiveness of elderberry. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a supplement.

Allergy medicine for children

Some allergy products may be available specifically for children. Always read the package label and follow the appropriate dosing instructions for your child’s age and weight. Similar to adults, children’s allergy medicine comes in many forms including eye drops, nasal sprays, and oral medicine—to help different symptoms. When taken orally, children’s allergy medicine may be offered in flavors or disintegrating tablets.

Allergy symptoms can be quite bothersome and persistent, especially while in certain environments or during specific seasons. Medicine can help improve your allergy symptoms. There are many choices for allergy symptom relief available at Walgreens online and in stores. Talk to your healthcare provider about allergy products that may be appropriate for your health and symptoms.