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Allergy is an abnormal response produced by the immune system of the body when it comes in contact with an allergen. In medical terminology, Allergy is called hypersensitivity. An allergen is a substance, which triggers the allergy response.
This abnormal response of the body’s immune system to particular substances may not be essentially harmful but they can cause a lot of discomfort. The allergic symptoms include runny nose, sinus congestion, sneezing, itchy skin, red and watery eyes, etc.
Pollen grains, dust, animal dander, certain foods, metals, insect bites or stings, etc. are common allergens that trigger the abnormal allergic response.
There is no permanent cure for allergies. However, they can be managed using several types of prescription and OTC medications available in the market. Allergy medications include antihistamines, decongestants, combined allergy meds, corticosteroids, and others.
Among all medications used for treating allergies, antihistamines drugs are most commonly prescribed. There are two class of anti-histamine drugs- First-generation antihistamines and second-generation antihistamines. The second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness than the first generation. These allergy pills work by blocking the action of histamine on the H1 receptors. Histamine is an endogenous substance that is responsible for triggering the allergic response.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), and clemastine (Tavist) are first-generation antihistamines; while the second generation includes fexofenadine (Allegra) Loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
The most common side effects observed with theses allergy medications include sleepiness, dry mouth, nausea, confusion, and anxiety. The antihistamine drugs producing drowsiness should be preferably consumed before going to bed.
Allegra containing fexofenadine is the best allergy medicine and is widely prescribed by the doctors for seasonal allergies.
Always consult your doctor before taking any allergy medication. The physician will prescribe the most suitable medicine to you. Pregnant ladies, individuals suffering from chronic health ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, persons taking other medications like herbal supplements, should consult a doctor before consuming these pills.
One may require to try different allergy medicine to find out which is the most effective medicine with fewer side effects.
Some of the allergy pills are available over the counter, while others are available on prescription.