4 Best OTC Allergy Drugs to Treat Sneeze, Stuffy nose And Watery Eyes

Allergies can be a seasonal nuisance or a year-round battle, causing discomfort and affecting your daily life. Understanding over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications is essential in finding the right relief for your symptoms. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the world of OTC allergy medications, helping you choose the best formula for your sneezy situation, debunking common allergy myths, and providing tips on how to save money on these medications.

4 Best Types of Allergy Drugs For Different Purposes

A variety of OTC allergy medications are available to help relieve various symptoms. It's essential to understand how each type works and which one might be best suited for your needs.

1. Antihistamines: Great for alleviating itches and sneezes caused by allergies

Antihistamines are often the go-to medication for managing sneezing, itching, and runny nose symptoms caused by allergies. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical released by your body during an allergic reaction (1). Examples of popular antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra). For best results without drowsiness, opt for newer non-drowsy versions instead of older ones like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which might make you feel sleepy.

2. Decongestants: For stuffy nose

Decongestants help alleviate nasal congestion by shrinking swollen nasal tissues and reducing mucus production. Look for ingredients like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) when choosing a decongestant (2). Keep in mind that decongestants can sometimes raise blood pressure, so be cautious if you have high blood pressure.

3. Nasal Steroids: Inflamed nasal passages 

Nasal steroids, such as fluticasone (Flonase) and budesonide (Rhinocort), can be useful in managing multiple allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation in your nasal passages. These sprays are most effective when used consistently over a few days (3).

4. Eye Drops: For watery eyes

OTC eye drops containing antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers can provide instant relief for those struggling with itchy, watery eyes due to allergies. Consider using ketotifen (Zaditor) to soothe your irritated eyes (4).

Generic vs. Brand Name Allergy Drugs - Is There A Difference?

When choosing allergy medications, it's essential to know that generic drugs are just as effective as their brand-name counterparts and often come at a lower price. The FDA requires generic drugs to have the same quality, strength, and safety as brand-name medications (5). So, save yourself some money without sacrificing effectiveness by opting for generics whenever possible.

What The Heck is Histamine and Why Does it Cause My Allergy?

Histamines are natural chemicals in the body that play a crucial role in immune responses, digestion, and the central nervous system. They are stored in specialized cells called mast cells and basophils, which are part of the immune system.

When you encounter an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander, your body perceives it as a threat. In response, mast cells and basophils release histamine. This release triggers symptoms commonly associated with allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production. The purpose of these reactions is to help expel the allergens from your body, but the side effects can be quite uncomfortable, leading many to seek relief through antihistamines, which block the effects of histamine.

Antihistamines help manage allergy symptoms by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that your immune system releases during an allergic reaction. When histamine binds to its receptors on certain cells, it triggers symptoms like itching, swelling, and mucus production. Antihistamines work by occupying these histamine receptors without activating them, effectively preventing histamine from binding to these receptors and thereby reducing or eliminating the symptoms it would normally cause. This makes antihistamines effective for relieving sneezing, runny nose, and itching associated with allergies.