Top Five Life-Saving Medications for Allergy Relief
Dealing with allergies can be really tough. A runny and stuffy nose, itchy and red eyes, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and hives can disrupt your entire day and make you uncomfortable. But you don’t have to let allergies control your life. There are plenty of over-the-counter medications that can help manage these symptoms so you can go about your day without feeling miserable. Here are five of the best options you can try:
**Claritin 12-Hour RediTabs**
Claritin is an antihistamine designed to prevent allergy symptoms, making it a good option if you’re dealing with seasonal allergies like pollen or ragweed. Claritin 12-Hour RediTabs start working within 30 minutes, which is faster than regular Claritin, and their effects can last up to 12 hours. It’s best to take Claritin before your symptoms start to stop them from happening in the first place. The best part is it doesn’t make you feel sleepy.
**Sudafed Nasal Decongestant**
Sudafed is an effective antihistamine that contains pseudoephedrine, a powerful ingredient for treating nasal congestion. If your nose is stuffy because of allergies, Sudafed can help. You can easily buy it over-the-counter, but you’ll need to ask the pharmacist for it as it’s kept behind the counter. Keep in mind that pseudoephedrine can act as a stimulant for some people, making it hard to sleep or causing a jittery feeling, so it’s best to avoid taking it in the evening.
**Afrin Nasal Spray**
Afrin Nasal Spray provides quick relief for a stuffy nose caused by allergies. It works instantly and is very effective. If you prefer using a nasal spray over pills, Afrin is a solid choice. However, don’t use it for more than three days in a row, as prolonged use can damage your nasal lining and lead to dependency.
**Visine-A**
Visine-A is an eye drop that acts both as an antihistamine and a decongestant. If you have itchy and red eyes due to allergies, Visine-A can help clear up these symptoms. It reduces or eliminates itchiness and redness, but just like Afrin, it should not be used for more than three days straight to avoid irritation.
**Benadryl Allergy**
Benadryl Allergy, which contains the antihistamine diphenhydramine, works fast to relieve allergy symptoms, though its effects last only about four hours. Benadryl is great for treating sudden allergic reactions and hives, and it tackles many allergy symptoms effectively. However, it often causes drowsiness, making it a good option if allergies are keeping you up at night, but not ideal for daily allergy management.
Using these medications can help you keep your allergy symptoms under control so you can focus on enjoying your day and night without discomfort.
