When an allergic reaction to a food allergen does occur, the most common way to treat the reaction is with medication. Allergy medication is not a cure or antidote for an allergic reaction. Only avoidance of problem foods can successfully treat a food allergy. Instead, medications are used to relieve specific symptoms after a reaction has occurred. The medications that may be used in the treatment of food allergies include:

• Epinephrine injection. A synthetic form of adrenaline that, when injected, is a powerful bronchodilator, opening breathing tubes and restoring normal respiration quickly. It also constricts the blood vessels, prevents fluid leakage and raises blood pressure.
  
  Epinephrine should be used at the first sign of a food allergy reaction since food allergies commonly involve life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Most physicians recommend that individuals who are susceptible to severe reactions carry an injection of epinephrine with them at all times and understand how to self-administer the drug. People who spend a lot of time with the patient should also know how to use the injectable device. After using epinephrine, a person should always call for an ambulance in case additional treatment is necessary. Individuals who carry epinephrine should also carry a medical alert bracelet or necklace to inform healthcare workers of their food allergy condition.
  
  
• Antihistamines. Medications that provide relief for more common food allergy symptoms such as hives, sneezing, runny nose and gastrointestinal symptoms. Antihistamines directly counteract the effects of the histamines, which are responsible for most allergy symptoms. Antihistamines come in a variety of forms (e.g., pills, liquids, nasal sprays, topical creams, eye drops). Oral antihistamines are commonly used to control mild food allergy reactions. For more severe allergic reactions, a physician may recommend an injected form of antihistamine.

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• Bronchodilators. Medications that open the airways, relieving symptoms such as shortness of breath or wheezing. They also help loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up and out of the body. They may be recommended for people whose food allergies trigger asthma attacks or asthma-like symptoms. They are usually breathed directly into the lungs using an inhaler, though they can also be administered through pills, liquids or an injection.
  
  
• Corticosteroids. While there are several types of corticosteroids, all work on the same principle – reducing or preventing inflammation. Corticosteroids are used to treat food allergies and reduce or prevent inflammation in the respiratory tract to relieve or avoid airway blockages. Corticosteroids are considered the most effective medication currently available for the treatment of inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Some corticosteroids are associated with a wide range of side effects.
  
  This type of drug is administered through nasal sprays, topical creams and injections. Different forms are used for different reasons:
  
  
• • Corticosteroids by mouth (e.g., pills, liquids) and injection can be used to get control over a strong food allergy reaction. The onset of action is usually after several hours but is essential to prevent a recurrence or “late phase” reaction.
    
    
  • Some oral corticosteroids are designed to be used for several days to control the recurrence of allergy or asthma episodes. These would not generally be used to treat food allergies.
    
    
  • Topical corticosteroids may be recommended for skin-related symptoms, such as skin rashes.

Though not medications, allergy shots (immunotherapy) are a form of allergy treatment in which increasing, controlled doses of an allergen are injected into a patient over a period of time. The goal is to increase the patient’s tolerance to the allergen while reducing symptoms brought on by an allergic reaction.

Although immunotherapy is an effective form of treatment for some forms of allergies, it is not typically recommended for food allergies.