Allergy drugs

Allergy drugs are all over - nasal antihistamines, oral antihistamines, decongestants - possibly it's time to get the facts on your allergy medicines.

Allergy medicine is available over the counter and it is prescribed widely by physicians all around the world. Pick up a journal there's ads, the TV is complete of ads - these products are heavily marketed and choosing the one that's going to work is an absolutely different game.

There are four allergy drug categories - oral antihistamines, nasal antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants. Let's have a look at every four categories.

Nasal antihistamines are newer and available through prescription and are a great allergy drugs for the correct situations. They work for 12 hours and are steroid free. It is believed because of inhalation the dosage absorbed is better. Side effects is drowsiness, headache, and post nasal drip.

Oral and nasal decongestants are another allergy medicines choice that is commonly used for those that have post nasal drip, runny noses, fever, sinus issues, pollen, itching, and sneezing. They are available in both prescription and OTC and in tablets, drops, sprays, and liquids. However the ingredient phenylpropanolamine which was found in older decongestants has been banned. Current decongestants include Sudafed, Triaminic, Ornade, and Entex. Decongestants can make you jittery, elevate your blood pressure, and make sleeping difficult. Sudafed should be in every medicine cabinet.

Nasal sprays. The non-steroid formulas are considered very safe and work best if you started a few weeks before the allergy season. Steroid formulas are available through prescription and are more effective and include Flonase, Nasonex, and Beclovent. Side effects include cataracts, hypertension, headache, weight gain, and nasal ulcers.

The last allergy medication we'll look at is oral antihistamines. Oral antihistamines are by far the most common allergy medicine prescribed by physicians. The block the histamines which is the chemical that is responsible for most of your symptoms. They do not give permanent relief but as an allergy drugs they do provide relief for itching, sneezing, hives, and nasal drip. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and make it difficult to concentrate. You can actually be given a DUI if you are driving and taking this medication. Some of the OTC antihistamines are Benadryl, Atarax, Dimetapp, Tavist, Chlor-Trimeton, and Claritin. In fact Benadryl should be in every medicine cabinet.

But wait we've had a look at a variety of allergy medicines but there are also several natural remedies and an allergy medication that contains no harsh chemicals is likely to make your body much happier.

Besides considering a natural allergy medication you might also consider giving your body's immune system a boost with the right supplement. After all the cause of allergies is an immune system that is misfiring.

And that means that an allergy medication isn't always the solution to the problem. Sure it will reduce the symptoms but it is doing nothing to actually get to the bottom of the problem.

Once you get the facts on allergy drugs you are in a much better position to make educated choices that work for you, your type of allergy, and your person situation. Choose what's best for you.