What is the most effective allergy medicine?
The most effective allergy medicine for you depends on your health needs. Different allergy medicines provide relief and protection against different allergens, meaning the one that’s most effective for you depends on your specific allergies. Lifestyle factors, such as your job, should also be considered when choosing an allergy medication, as some drugs like antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Speak with your doctor to determine the best allergy medicine for you.
How much allergy medication should I be taking?
Most adults can easily take the full strength dosage of any antihistamine, says Dr. Passer.
“Kids may start by taking a smaller dosage at first, but if that smaller dose isn’t effective, I have no problem pushing that dose to the same adult dosage,” she says. “Fatigue is the first side effect to look for in these cases.”
What is the best allergy medication for pollen?
There isn’t much differentiation between medications that treat pollen versus other aeroallergens. Instead, focus on your symptoms, and treat accordingly.
How long will it take for allergy medicine to work?
Antihistamines typically begin working within 30 minutes of ingestion and can reach their most effective state within two hours. However, it’s best to take an allergy medicine before symptoms occur, as these medicines are meant to serve as a preventative measure, not a cure. To help protect your body from allergens, take allergy medication two to four weeks before seasonal allergies typically begin.
What's the difference between Allegra, Claritin and Zyrtec?
Allegra, Claritin and Zyrtec are all antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing and itchy or watery eyes. Allegra contains fexofenadine hydrochloride as its active ingredient and comes in the form of a tablet or capsule for oral consumption. Allegra is a non-drowsy allergy medicine and isn’t confirmed safe for children under the age of 6.
Claritin contains loratadine as its active ingredient and is also considered non-drowsy. Similar to Allegra, Claritin shouldn’t be given to children under the age of 6 without first speaking to a pediatrician. Children’s Claritin is also available.
While Zyrtec has similar effects as Allegra and Claritin, it can cause drowsiness. The medicine uses cetirizine hydrochloride as its active ingredient and is available as a tablet, chewable, dissolve tablet, gel tablet and liquid. Zyrtec comes in a formula made for children, but speak to your child’s pediatrician before giving Zyrtec to a child under the age of 2.