Medicine to Take for Allergies

Allergies are caused by a number of reasons but often occur due to pollen and animals. Allergy medications block symptoms associated with histamine. Many allergy medications are available in pills, liquids and sprays. Some allergy medication can be bought over-the-the counter while others are prescribed.

Antihistamine

Benadryl is an antihistamine often used to treat allergy symptoms by blocking histamine. Symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and runny nose are treated. Benadryl comes in pill and liquid form. Adults should take one, 25- to 50-mg capsule, three to four times a day. Drowsiness often occurs so driving should be prohibited until you know how your body is going to react to the medication.

Pseudoephedrine

Decongestants with pseudoephedrine, like Sudafed, helps with allergy symptoms by shrinking blood vessels in the nose, lungs and mucus membranes. Adults 12 years of age and older can take two tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Children 6 to 12 years old should only take one tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Mild side effects such as dizziness, headache and pounding heart can occur.

Steroids

Nasal sprays like Nasonex are a form of steroids. Using these nasal spray steroids provide the best way of taking care of allergies. Nasonex inhibits histamine, cytokines, leukotrienes and basophils. Adults and children 2 and older can take this spray just once a day to relieve allergy symptoms. The medication is given by a prescription only, so consultation with a doctor is required.