1. Cetirizine (Zyrtec): Effective Antihistamine
Cetirizine, commonly known by its brand name Zyrtec, is a popular antihistamine for treating allergy symptoms in adults. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Cetirizine provides 24-hour relief and is non-drowsy, making it a convenient option for daily use.
2. Loratadine (Claritin): Non-Drowsy Relief
Loratadine, sold under the brand name Claritin, is another effective non-drowsy antihistamine. It helps alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Loratadine is available over-the-counter and can be taken once a day, making it a convenient choice for those needing long-lasting allergy relief.
3. Fexofenadine (Allegra): Fast-Acting Solution
Fexofenadine, known by the brand name Allegra, is a fast-acting antihistamine that provides relief from allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness. It is effective for treating sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Fexofenadine is available in tablet and liquid forms and is taken once or twice daily.
4. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Quick Relief
Diphenhydramine, commonly known as Benadryl, is a first-generation antihistamine that provides quick relief from allergy symptoms. It is effective in treating itching, hives, and runny nose. However, it can cause drowsiness, so it is often taken at bedtime or when sedation is acceptable.
5. Desloratadine (Clarinex): Long-Lasting Effects
Desloratadine, marketed under the brand name Clarinex, is an advanced antihistamine that provides long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms. It is effective for treating sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes without causing drowsiness. Desloratadine is available by prescription and is taken once daily.
6. Levocetirizine (Xyzal): Reliable Antihistamine
Levocetirizine, known by the brand name Xyzal, is a highly effective antihistamine for adults. It provides relief from symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Levocetirizine is typically taken in the evening and offers 24-hour relief, helping adults manage their allergies effectively.
7. Chlorpheniramine: Versatile Allergy Relief
Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine used to treat various allergic conditions, including hay fever and urticaria. It helps alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. While effective, it can cause drowsiness and is often used for nighttime relief.
8. Doxylamine: Nighttime Allergy Aid
Doxylamine is an antihistamine commonly used as a nighttime allergy aid. It helps relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes while promoting sleep. Doxylamine is available over-the-counter and is often found in combination with cold medications.
9. Azelastine (Astelin): Nasal Spray Solution
Azelastine is a nasal spray antihistamine that provides fast relief from nasal allergy symptoms. It helps reduce sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Azelastine is available by prescription and can be used in combination with other allergy medications for comprehensive relief.
10. Fluticasone (Flonase): Nasal Corticosteroid
Fluticasone, marketed as Flonase, is a nasal corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and control allergy symptoms. It is effective for treating nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. Fluticasone is available over-the-counter and by prescription and is used daily for best results.
11. Mometasone (Nasonex): Powerful Nasal Spray
Mometasone, known by the brand name Nasonex, is a nasal corticosteroid that provides powerful relief from nasal allergy symptoms. It helps reduce inflammation, congestion, and sneezing. Mometasone is available by prescription and is used daily to manage allergy symptoms effectively.
12. Triamcinolone (Nasacort): Over-the-Counter Relief
Triamcinolone, marketed as Nasacort, is an over-the-counter nasal corticosteroid that provides effective relief from nasal allergy symptoms. It helps reduce congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. Triamcinolone is used once daily for continuous relief from allergy symptoms.
13. Budesonide (Rhinocort): Long-Term Control
Budesonide, known by the brand name Rhinocort, is a nasal corticosteroid that provides long-term control of allergy symptoms. It helps reduce inflammation and treat symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. Budesonide is available over-the-counter and is used daily.
14. Montelukast (Singulair): Leukotriene Inhibitor
Montelukast, marketed as Singulair, is a leukotriene inhibitor that helps control allergy symptoms by blocking substances in the body that cause inflammation. It is effective for treating symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. Montelukast is available by prescription and is taken once daily.
15. Cromolyn Sodium (NasalCrom): Preventive Treatment
Cromolyn sodium, known by the brand name NasalCrom, is a nasal spray that helps prevent allergy symptoms by blocking the release of histamine. It is used before exposure to allergens and helps reduce sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. Cromolyn sodium is available over-the-counter.
16. Olopatadine (Patanol): Eye Allergy Relief
Olopatadine, marketed as Patanol, is an antihistamine eye drop that provides relief from eye allergy symptoms. It helps reduce itching, redness, and tearing caused by allergens. Olopatadine is available by prescription and is used twice daily for best results.
17. Ketotifen (Zaditor): Over-the-Counter Eye Drops
Ketotifen, known by the brand name Zaditor, is an over-the-counter antihistamine eye drop that provides relief from eye allergy symptoms. It helps reduce itching, redness, and swelling. Ketotifen is used twice daily and is suitable for adults experiencing eye allergies.
18. Epinastine (Elestat): Prescription Eye Drops
Epinastine, marketed as Elestat, is a prescription antihistamine eye drop that helps control eye allergy symptoms. It is effective for reducing itching, redness, and tearing. Epinastine is used twice daily and provides fast relief for adults with eye allergies.
19. Cyproheptadine: Multi-Symptom Relief
Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine used to treat multiple symptoms of allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, and itching. It also has appetite-stimulating properties, making it useful in certain medical conditions. Cyproheptadine is available by prescription and can cause drowsiness.
20. Promethazine: Potent Allergy Treatment
Promethazine is a potent antihistamine used to treat severe allergy symptoms. It helps reduce sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Promethazine can cause significant drowsiness and is often used for nighttime relief. It is available by prescription in tablet and liquid forms.
21. Hydroxyzine: Effective Itch Relief
Hydroxyzine is a powerful antihistamine used to treat severe itching and hives associated with allergies. It helps reduce histamine levels in the body, providing relief from symptoms. Hydroxyzine can cause drowsiness and is often prescribed for nighttime use.
22. Meclizine: Allergy and Motion Sickness Relief
Meclizine is an antihistamine used to treat both allergy symptoms and motion sickness. It helps alleviate sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Meclizine is available over-the-counter and by prescription and is typically taken once daily.
23. Acrivastine: Fast-Acting Antihistamine
Acrivastine, known by the brand name Semprex, is a fast-acting antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. It provides quick relief from sneezing, runny nose, and itching by blocking histamine receptors. Acrivastine is available by prescription and is taken up to three times daily.
24. Ketotifen Fumarate: Dual-Action Relief
Ketotifen fumarate is an antihistamine with dual-action properties, available in both oral and topical forms. It helps alleviate itching, hives, and redness caused by allergies. Ketotifen fumarate works by blocking histamine receptors and stabilizing mast cells, which release histamine. It is available by prescription.
25. Diphenhydramine Cream: Topical Itch Relief
Diphenhydramine cream provides topical relief for itching and hives caused by allergies. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the skin, reducing symptoms. This cream is available over-the-counter and can be applied directly to affected areas for fast relief.
