3 Allergy Medications That Help, Not Hurt

3 Allergy Medications That Help, Not Hurt

Allergies: Is the treatment worse than the problem?

For many allergy sufferers it is a mistake. Antihistamines relieve the itching but make you sleep. Decongestants open the airways but keep you awake. Prescription eye drops have a calming effect but cost a fortune. Steroids work wonders but cause weight gain and swelling.

Is there a way to treat allergies without side effects?

For most people, the answer is yes, although some experimentation may be necessary. Here are three medications you can trust to provide significant relief with minimal side effects.

1.Clarinex. Clarinex is the latest addition to the non-sedating antihistamine class. This group includes Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec and generics of the same. Claritin and Zyrtec originally required a prescription but are now available over the counter. Allegra and Clarinex remain prescription only. The non-sedating antihistamines were developed in response to the most common complaint about antihistamine use, i.e., drowsiness. The sedating antihistamines are still available (Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, and others) and remain useful overnight for allergy symptoms. They are the calming ingredients in OTC sleep aids.

Clarinex is the only non-sedating antihistamine not yet available in generic form. Therefore, it is the most expensive, costing over $100 for a month of medication. Search online at the Clarinex website for options to help you reduce your out-of-pocket costs. You may want to try loratadine (Claritin generic) or another generic first at a cost of less than $10 per month.

2.NasalCrom. Another medication that used to be a prescription drug, over-the-counter NasalCrom Nasal Spray (cromolyn sodium), makes your nose less sensitive to allergens (pollen, dander, dust, and other particles to which you are allergic). In this respect, it is similar to nasal steroids (such as Flonase, Nasacort, Nasonex), which currently cost between $60 and $120 per month. Priced at under $20, NasalCrom is a bargain.

Each of these inhaled medications is intended to prevent rather than treat the symptoms of nasal itching, drainage, and congestion. They all work best when taken regularly. If you wait until symptoms appear to use them, you may find that they are ineffective. If you only need medication occasionally, you're probably better off using Clarinex or another non-sedating antihistamine.

3.Singulair. When Singulair was first released, it was only intended as an asthma medication. However, asthma often has an allergic component, and the medication is particularly useful in people who suffer from both asthma and allergies. A few years ago it received the indication for use in non-asthmatic allergic patients.

In general, Singulair does not cause drowsiness or the caffeine-like effects typical of decongestants. Similar to inhaled steroids and NasalCrom, it is better to prevent allergy symptoms than to treat them. Currently, it is only available by prescription at a cost of approximately $130 per month. The manufacturer offers savings options on the Singulair website.

The above medications can be used alone or in combination.They are not the only options available, nor are they the least expensive, but all three are very reliable at relieving symptoms without annoying side effects.

Copyright 2010 Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

Inspired by Cynthia Koelker