There are several different types of medication available for relief from allergy symptoms. While many of the medications come in an over-the-counter (OTC) form, some require a physician’s prescription.

Because different people respond to medications in different ways, physicians will often recommend first starting with the lowest dose of the least expensive medication. If an individual does not respond to one type of treatment, others are available at the physician’s discretion. Individuals suffering from allergies should always consult their physicians before taking any type of drug treatment, including any “natural,” “herbal” or “alternative” products.

The following types of medication are used to treat allergy symptoms:

• Antihistamines. Medications used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy and watery eyes. Antihistamines work by neutralizing the histamines that are released into the bloodstream during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines can reduce symptoms when taken after the allergic reaction begins. However, they are most effective when taken 3 to 5 hours before coming into contact with an allergen – or on a regular basis. Antihistamines are available in both OTC and prescription forms. They can be taken as pills, liquids, nasal sprays or eye drops. Some types of antihistamines cause drowsiness.
  
  

  

• Decongestants. Medications used to reduce nasal congestion, swelling and redness. They work by constricting swollen nasal tissues, which prevents fluid and mucus from forming. Decongestants are available in both OTC and prescription forms. They can be taken as pills, nasal sprays or eye drops. Using nasal spray decongestants for longer than three days can actually cause a rebound and increase in congestion. Side effects may include increased blood pressure, insomnia and a quickened pulse.
  
  
• Bronchodilators. Medications used to open up constricted airways by relaxing tightened muscle bands. These drugs are also effective at loosening mucus in the lungs, which can then be more easily coughed out. Bronchodilators are often used to quickly treat symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. They can be inhaled, injected or taken in pill or liquid form.  
  
  One specific type of bronchodilator, epinephrine, is used to treat a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock, which can involve a sudden constriction of the airways. An epinephrine shot can be administered to anaphylactic individuals to quickly open up the airways and improve blood circulation Physicians may instruct patients with severe allergies to carry epinephrine with them at all times.
  
  
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Medications used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with allergy symptoms.  This type of medication avoids many of the side effects associated with corticosteroids, while producing many of the same results. Two examples of NSAIDs are aspirin and ibuprofen.
  
  
• Anticholinergics. Medications used to open airways by dilating the breathing tubes and loosening mucus. The effects of these drugs are similar to those of bronchodilators, but anticholinergics generally do not work as fast. Some patients who are unable to tolerate the quick reaction or side effects caused by bronchodilators use anticholinergics instead.
  
  
• Nasal saline solutions. OTC products used to rinse the nose out with a saltwater solution. It may relieve minor types of congestion, loosen mucus and prevent crusting. However, this treatment is not effective at preventing allergy symptoms from occurring.

These medications are used to relieve allergy symptoms in progress. However, these and other medications may also be effective at preventing symptoms from ever occurring (or at least reducing their severity). A combination of symptom relief and symptom prevention medications may be prescribed.