Allergic Reaction Medications

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Allergic Reaction Medications Medications for allergic reactions work by blocking histamine or other inflammatory mediators or by reducing immune responses. Common categories include: Antihistamines (H₁ blockers): These prevent histamine from causing allergy symptoms. Examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (older, sedating antihistamines) as well as newer, non-drowsy agents like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra). (Antihistamines are available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays or eye drops.) Decongestants: These shrink swollen nasal tissues and ease congestion. For example, pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine are oral decongestants, and oxymetazoline (Afrin) is a topical nasal spray. (Combo products also exist, e.g. Claritin®-D which contains loratadine + pseudoephedrine.) Corticosteroids: These steroid medications suppress allergic inflammation. Intranasal corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) are first-line for hay fever obstacles. Inhaled steroids (budesonide, fluticasone inhalers) treat allergic asthma, and powerful oral steroids (e.g. prednisone , methylprednisolone) are used for severe or systemic allergies. Leukotriene inhibitors: These block another allergy mediator (leukotrienes). The main example is montelukast (Singulair), a daily pill used for allergic rhinitis and asthma). Mast cell stabilizers: These prevent mast cells from releasing histamine. For instance, cromolyn sodium (available as a nasal spray or eye drops) is used prophylactically to reduce allergy symptoms when exposed to triggers. Bronchodilators (beta-agonists): While not direct “anti-allergy” drugs, these inhalers relieve bronchospasm from allergic asthma. Short-acting inhaled beta-agonists like albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) relax the airways when wheezing or tightness occurs. Epinephrine (adrenaline): For life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), injectable epinephrine is the drug of cho