Allergies can be incredibly uncomfortable and annoying, so finding the right allergy medication is the best way to get over them and get back to your life. Going through the day with allergies can be very frustrating, let alone trying to keep up with your allergies.running chart. If you have problems with spring allergies, your exercise programthere is no need to suffer. Just find a good allergy medicine that works for allergies on a daily basis as well.
There are allergy medications for everyone, whether you prefer a nasal spray, eye drops, or an anti-fatigue formula. The availability of allergy medications makes it convenient and easy to keep your allergies under control so they don't come back.be on the waymuch of your life.
Below, we share some of the best over-the-counter allergy medications, who they're best for, and why we think they're the best.
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Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications: Our Top Picks
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- Best General Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine: Zyrtec Cetirizin Hcl/Antihistaminikum
- Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Eye Drops: Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength
- Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Nasal Spray: Nasal aerosol for allergies 24 hours Nasacort
- Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicines for Kids: Zyrtec 24h anti-allergic jar for children double pack
- Best Non-Drowsy Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine: Alavert 24h allergy relief without drowsiness
- Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Remedy for Runny Nose: Allergy Xyzal 24h
- The best over-the-counter medications for pollen allergies: Flonase Nasal Spray for Allergy Relief
- Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine for Itchy Eyes: Bausch and Lomb Alaway antihistamine eye drops
- Best Over-the-Counter Liquid Allergy Medicine: Xyzal oral solution for children
- Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications: Zyrtec High Prescription Allergy Lozenges
What to look for in over-the-counter allergy medicines
antihistamine art
You should consider antihistamines when looking for the best over-the-counter allergy medication. Antihistamines are a type of medication that relieves allergy symptoms. There are a few main types of antihistamines, including cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. Take some time to read the ingredient label of your chosen over-the-counter allergy medication to understand the potential side effects of the active ingredient. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness while others do not.
medication form
Not all allergy medicines are made in tablet form. Over-the-counter allergy medications may be available in liquid, eye drop, or nasal spray form. What form of medication is best for your needs? If you have trouble taking pills, you can opt for a liquid allergy medicine or a dissolvable tablet.
symptoms
Different allergy medications target different symptoms. Consider what symptoms you are experiencing when determining which over-the-counter allergy medication is best for you. If you have more trouble with nasal symptoms, you may want a nasal spray.Flonasa. If your symptoms are primarily related to the eyes, look for eye drops such asPataday.
Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Medication Overall: Zyrtec Cetirizine HCL/Antihistamine
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type of antihistamine:cetirizine hydrochloride
- Drug form:planks
- Active substance:cetrizine
- Age recommendation:6 years or more
- Symptoms:Runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes
Zyrtec is an over-the-counter anti-allergy anti-drowsiness medication that contains cetirizine HCL as the main ingredient. The non-numbing formula makes it ideal for daily use. Zyrtec is an effective way to keep everyday allergy symptoms like sneezing and runny noses at bay.
Offering 24-hour relief and prescription strength, this allergy medicine is effective in treating internal and external allergies. Zyrtec takes about an hour to work and will continue to work effectively if you take it daily.
What we like
- all day relief
- works fast
- Suitable for children (6 years and older)
- Non-numbing formula ideal for daytime use.
- It works for indoor and outdoor allergies.
what we don't like
- Not recommended for long term use.
- It may not work effectively for everyone
COMPARISON:Zyrtec Cetirizine HCL/Antihistamine
Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Eye Drops - Pataday One Daily Relief Extra Strength
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type of antihistamine:olopatadina
- Drug form:eye drops
- Active substance:olopatadina
- Age recommendation:2 years or more
- Symptoms:itchy eyes
When you're struggling with eye allergies, having effective eye drops on hand can be crucial. Few things compare to the discomfort of dry, watery, itchy eyes. Many people struggle with eye-related symptoms when they are allergic to dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Pataday is an antihistamine eye drop designed to relieve eye allergy symptoms in minutes. You can use these drops to help control irritating symptoms of mild allergies or to control an allergic reaction when it occurs. Simply place one drop in each eye once a day.
What we like
- works fast
- Provides relief throughout the day.
- Suitable for adults and children
- Uses an antihistamine formula to stop allergies at the source
what we don't like
- Can only be used once a day
- Small bottles for the price.
COMPARISON:Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength
Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Nasal Spray - Nasacort 24 Hour Allergy Nasal Spray
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type of antihistamine:Acetónido de triancinolone
- Drug form:spray nose
- Active substance:Acetónido de triancinolone
- Age recommendation:2 years and older
- Symptoms:Stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose
This antihistamine nasal spray is designed to help with nose-related allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. With 24-hour relief, it can help you get through the day even if you're struggling with bothersome allergy symptoms.
This odorless, tasteless spray is easy to use and doesn't cause the discomfort of a strong chemical taste. It is also safe for children over the age of two, so it can be used by both adults and children.
What we like
- Provides 24 hour relief.
- non-drowsy formula
- no smell or taste
- recyclable packaging
what we don't like
- It comes with only 1 bottle per pack.
- If symptoms are severe, it may need to be combined with another allergy medication.
COMPARISON:Nasal aerosol for allergies 24 hours Nasacort
Best Over-the-Counter Medicine for Children's Allergies - Zyrtec 24 Hour Kids Allergy Syrup Twin Pack
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type of antihistamine:cetirizine hydrochloride
- Drug form:Liquid
- Active substance:cetirizine hydrochloride
- Age recommendation:2 years and older
- Symptoms:Runny nose, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, itchy nose or throat
Few things compare to watching your child battle illnesses and allergies. Safe for children ages two and up, this kid-friendly allergy syrup helps relieve all common allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itching.
With cetirizine as the active ingredient, the pediatrician-recommended non-numbing formula is safe for daily use. This allergy medicine is also available in dye-free and sugar-free varieties.
What we like
- Safe for children over 2 years of age.
- pediatrician recommended
- 1 serving provides 24 hour relief
- Options without dyes or sugar
what we don't like
- Some may find it expensive
- Check the expiration date – some buyers have found that it expires quickly
COMPARISON:Zyrtec 24h anti-allergic jar for children double pack
Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine for Drowsiness - Alavert 24 Hour Allergy Relief Non-Drowsy
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type of antihistamine:Loratadine
- Drug form:tableta soluble
- Active substance:Loratadine
- Age recommendation:6 years and older
- Symptoms:Runny nose, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, itchy throat or nose
Alavert Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief contains soluble tablets with loratadine as the active ingredient. This allergy medicine does not cause drowsiness and is ideal for use during the day. Quick Dissolve Tablets are ideal for those who have difficulty swallowing standard tablets. Take just one pill a day to relieve common allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing throughout the day.
What we like
- The soluble tablets act quickly.
- non-drowsy formula
- 1 serving provides all-day relief
what we don't like
- Not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
- It can cause side effects in some people. Talk to your doctor to see if this is a good option for you.
COMPARISON:Alavert 24h allergy relief without drowsiness
Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Remedy for Runny Nose - Xyzal Allergy 24 Hours
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type of antihistamine:Dicloridrate of levocetirizine
- Drug form:Tablets
- Active substance:Dicloridrate of levocetirizine
- Age recommendation:6 years and older
- Symptoms:Runny nose, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, itchy nose or throat
The prescription allergy medicine Xyzal is made with the antihistamine levocetirizine dihydrochloride. It works quickly and only requires one dose every 24 hours.
Xyzal delivers during the daymiNighttime relief with an effective and powerful formula. Expect to feel the effects within an hour of taking a pill.
What we like
- prescription strength formula
- Provides relief day and night.
- It works well for nasal symptoms like a runny nose.
what we don't like
- More expensive than some of the other options.
- Some side effects may occur
COMPARISON:Allergy Xyzal 24h
Best Over-the-Counter Medication for Pollen Allergy - Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type of antihistamine:fluticisonpropionato
- Drug form:spray nose
- Active substance:fluticisonpropionato
- Age recommendation:4 years and older
- Symptoms:Stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose
Some of the most uncomfortable allergy symptoms include nasal symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. It can be really hard to focus on your work or get a good workout when you feel like you can barely breathe.
Flonase is an effective way to overcome the nasal symptoms of pollen allergies. Available as a nasal spray, it provides prescribed strength of relief throughout the day.
What we like
- Easy to use
- effective formula
- Relieves nasal symptoms such as congestion and runny nose.
what we don't like
- Not suitable for children under 4 years of age.
- Sprayer can clog after repeated use
COMPARISON:Flonase Nasal Spray for Allergy Relief
Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Remedy for Itchy Eyes: Bausch and Lomb Alaway Antihistamine Eye Drops
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type of antihistamine:ketotifen
- Drug form:eye drops
- Active substance:ketotifen
- Age recommendation:3 years and older
- Symptoms:itchy eyes
These antihistamine eye drops are ideal for anyone suffering from specific allergy symptoms of the eyes, such as itching, redness and tearing.
Use these eye drops for 12 hours of relief. The active ingredient ketotifen stops allergies at their source and works quickly and effectively.
What we like
- Effectively stops the symptoms of eye allergy.
- Provides 12 hours of relief.
- works fast
what we don't like
- It doesn't work as well as other options.
- Smaller bottle than some other options.
COMPARISON:Bausch and Lomb Alaway antihistamine eye drops
Best Over-the-Counter Liquid Allergy Medicine: Children's Xyzal Oral Solution
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type of antihistamine:Dicloridrate of levocetirizine
- Drug form:oral liquid
- Active substance:Dicloridrate of levocetirizine
- Age recommendation:2 years and older
- Symptoms:Runny nose, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, itchy throat or nose
This oral allergy liquid is specially designed for children. One dose works in one hour and provides 24 hours of relief for children two years and older.
As you would expect, Xyzal Children's Oral Solution features a child-friendly flavor and formula. Taken before bed, it will give your child a good night's sleep without interrupting allergy symptoms.
What we like
- flavors for children
- Provides relief day and night.
- It works quickly and efficiently.
- without colorants
what we don't like
- It may not work well for everyone.
- Some negative side effects are possible. Read directions and talk to your pediatrician before use.
COMPARISON:Xyzal oral solution for children
Best Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine: Zyrtec Prescription Allergy Pills
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type of antihistamine:cetirizine hydrochloride
- Drug form:Tablets
- Active substance:cetirizine hydrochloride
- Age recommendation:6 years or more
- Symptoms:Runny nose, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, itchy nose or throat
Zyrtec prescription allergy medicine provides powerful all-day relief of allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and itching. With the active ingredient cetirizine HCl, this daily allergy remedy has a fast and long-lasting effect.
Zyrtec tablets work for both internal and external allergies and can be used for relief throughout the day. Use for outdoor allergies like pollen or indoor allergies like dust and pets.
What we like
- Versatile - Works well for all types of allergies.
- Strong and lasting effect.
- Prescription power formula available without a prescription
what we don't like
- Not suitable for small children.
- Higher price compared to other options.
COMPARISON:Zyrtec High Prescription Allergy Lozenges
Frequently Asked Questions About Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicines
What quickly eliminates allergies?
One of the best ways to treat allergy symptoms is to use an over-the-counter allergy medication. Most allergy medicines work within an hour when taken in pill form. Other types of allergy medicines, such as eye drops and nasal sprays, may work faster.
How much allergy medicine should I take?
Always read the Over-the-Counter Allergy Information for dosage information before taking it. If you are still not sure, consult your doctor to determine the best dose for you.
When is the best time to take allergy medicine?
It depends on the drug. If you have an allergy medicine designed specifically for daytime relief, you can take it in the morning; However, it is recommended to take some medicines before going to bed to get all day relief the next day.
What should I do if allergy medicines don't work?
If your allergy medicine isn't working, you may need to try a different type. You may need one that contains a different active ingredient than the one you have used before without success. Be aware of any negative side effects you are experiencing and talk to your doctor about which medication is best for you.