This time of year, we love seeing Spring come into full bloom with flowering trees, emerald green grass and colorful flower blossoms. But for some, this season can also mean that allergy season is underway. If you’re choosing an over-the-counter allergy medication, you might feel lost in the long row of choices at the drug store. Claritin®, Zyrtec®, Benadryl®, generic store brand? What is their active ingredient? Which one should you take, and when? Let’s take a look:
How do Allergy Medications Work?
The active ingredient in an allergy medication is normally a class of drug called an antihistamine. This is sometimes – but not always – combined with a decongestant.
Antihistamines counter the effects of histamines, which are released in your body by your immune system to defend against foreign substances. Histamines are what cause the sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose that allergy sufferers experience. Decongestants work differently: they unclog your nose and sinuses by narrowing your blood vessels.
You can find allergy medications in several forms, including capsules, tablets, nose spray, and eye drops.
Seasonal Allergies and Skin Health
Your skin can also react to seasonal allergens by becoming red, dry, or irritated. In some cases, seasonal allergens can cause hives. You can also end up with puffy eyelids or dark circles under your eyes. Rubbing your eyes, and blowing your nose frequently, can irritate your skin and make it worse.
Another problem with seasonal allergens is they add to the overall load on your immune system. If you have a skin condition such as eczema, TSW, or psoriasis, and your condition has an immune system involvement, this overload could trigger a flareup.
Over-the-counter allergy medicines that contain antihistamines can help skin reactions to allergens such as hives, but be sure to discuss your choice of over-the-counter allergy medication with your health professional if you are already taking medication for your skin condition.
Comparing Allergy Meds by Active Ingredient
There are many name brand versions of allergy medications. The key to choosing the right one is to check the label for its active ingredient. Generic and store brands often make knock-off allergy meds containing the same active ingredients at the same dosage as the name brands at a lower price. The dosage and percentage of active ingredients can be found on the product label.
Here are the main drugs used in allergy medications, and their side-effects:
Cetirizine HCl (active ingredient in Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Quzyttir®)
Considered safe and effective and taken once per day as a table or capsule. Side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. It can also impair your thinking, so it’s best to avoid driving after taking Cetirizine.
Loratadine (active ingredient in Claritin®, Alavert®)
The antihistamine in Loratadine works on peripheral histamine receptors outside of the brain, and this is why it is less likely to cause drowsiness (although some sensitive people may feel drowsy, so be cautious.) Loratadine can interact with other medications, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor if you take any, especially if you are on HIV medications.
Fexofenadine HCl (active ingredient in Allegra®, Aller-Ease®, Mucinex Allergy®)
Like Loratadine, Fexofenadine works on peripheral histamine receptors outside of the brain and spinal cord, and is less likely to make you drowsy. There are important interactions to note: This medication should not be taken with fruit juice. Take the medication on an empty stomach. You shouldn’t take Fexofenadine if you have kidney disease, or PKU (phenylketonuria).
Levocetirizine DiHCl (active ingredient in Xyzal®, Levrix®)
This antihistamine can cause drowsiness, especially if you drink alcohol while taking the drug. You should not take Levoceterizine if you have kidney disease, or if you are nursing. Discuss with your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, intend to get pregnant, or have kidney, liver, urinary, or gallbladder problems.
Diphenhydramine (active ingredient in Benedryl®, Banophen®, Diphen®)
This antihistamine is also used to treat motion sickness, induce sleep, and treat certain symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, in addition to allergy symptom relief. You’ll find it in several over-the-counter sleep medications, because it will most likely make you very drowsy. Dry mouth, dry eyes, dizziness, and constipation are also common side effects. With this in mind, use this drug cautiously: avoid drinking alcohol, driving, or operating machinery while you’re taking Diphenhydramine. Talk to a doctor before giving this medication to children. Children under the age of 2 should never be given Diphenhydramine. This medicine can pass into breastmilk and harm your baby. Discuss with a doctor before taking it while you are pregnant, or if you have any other health conditions, especially: digestive blockages, bladder obstruction, a colostomy, liver problems, asthma, a cough or bronchitis, heart disease, glaucoma, a thyroid disorder, or if you take potassium.
General Caution for Using Antihistamines
If you don’t like the side effects from one over the counter medication, or if it’s not giving you relief – try a different one, or talk with your health professional.
All antihistamines can have negative interactions with other drugs you may be taking, including antidepressants or anxiety medications, muscle relaxers, opioid pain medications, seizure medications, anti-nausea and antipsychotic drugs.
Another caution to note is that most antihistamines are anticholinergic, meaning they block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that that plays a role in memory, attention, and involuntary muscle movement. There are studies that show such drugs could contribute to a higher risk for dementia later in life.
With any of these medications, if you have a serious reaction such as rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, swelling, vision problems, or confusion, you could be allergic to the drug. Seek medical attention immediately!
Steps to Reduce Allergy Symptoms Naturally
When it’s allergy season, there are a few things you can do to help reduce your symptoms with or without additional medication:
- Close your windows and use an air filter when you have seasonal allergies. Stay indoors when pollen levels are high.
- Change your clothes when you come in from outside, as pollen may be clinging to the fabric. Likewise, consider showering or rinsing off exposed skin.
- Try a neti pot. This is a method that cleanses your nasal cavity with warm salt water, flushing out dust and pollen that may collect there.
- Remember those facemasks we used during Covid? Try wearing one when your allergies are severe. Wear one when you vacuum if you’re allergic to dust.
TCM Works Well on Resolving Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
If you’re looking for a safe, natural and powerful treatment for allergies with zero side-effects, we also recommend traditional Chinese medicine. A TCM doctor will treat allergies with acupuncture, diet, and herbal medicine. Many lifelong allergy sufferers report dramatic reduction in symptoms with TCM. Some report that their allergies even go away completely over time.
Conclusion
Seasonal allergy symptoms can be miserable, but there are safe and effective natural methods, TCM treatments, as well as over-the-counter medications that can help. We hope these recommendations help you kick allergy symptoms to the curb and enjoy outdoor fun in all four seasons!
Want to Learn More About Skin Health?
Click HERE to get the Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions Newsletter. You’ll receive interesting information about skin health via articles, before/after pictures, case studies of Amethyst patients, videos, interviews and more. Feel free to share this article with someone who you think may benefit.
About the Author
Olivia Hsu Friedman, LAc, Dipl.OM, DACM, Cert. TCMDerm, is the owner of Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions and treats Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, and TSW. Olivia treats patients via video conferencing using only herbal medicine. Olivia is Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Acupuncturists, serves on the Advisory Board of LearnSkin, and is a faculty member of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Group sponsored by the National Eczema Association.