Step 10: Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription Drugs

Finding the right medication is an important step in treating and controlling allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs are the most readily available. However, if you go to the allergy aisle in your local pharmacy, you may have trouble deciding which medication is the right one. There are many different formulas and combinations to choose from. See this over-the-counter drugs chart for help.

The main goal of allergy drug treatment is to stop the histamine reaction that causes the swelling, itching, and mucus production during an allergic reaction. Therefore, antihistamines are a main ingredient in most allergy medications. Here are some generalizations about non-prescription versus prescription antihistamines.

• Nonprescription -- these are generally short-acting antihistamines. They relieve mild to moderate symptoms but can cause drowsiness. In addition, these antihistamines can blunt learning in children (even in the absence of drowsiness).
• Prescription -- these are generally longer-acting antihistamines. They can be equally effective and usually do not interfere with learning. One prescription antihistamine, Claritin, may soon be available over the counter.

Some over-the-counter allergy medications also contain a decongestant, which can have a stimulant effect. So, don't drive after taking over-the-counter antihistamines until you know how the medication will effect you.

Both over-the-counter and prescription allergy drugs are available with decongestants for people who experience nasal congestion.

Finally, cromolyn nasal spray is one of the best over-the-counter medications for treating nasal allergies. Unlike over-the-counter antihistamines, it doesn't blunt learning, memory, and reaction time.

Review Date: July 29, 2002

Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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