When pollen season falls upon us, the dreaded return of seasonal allergies comes with it. Sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, hives — if you have allergies, you’re all too familiar with these annoying symptoms. You need relief from these symptoms and fast.

Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are usually the best medicine for allergies, and you may have tried some yourself. However, some of these antihistamines come with noticeable downsides, and you might even be allergic to one. If you’d like to avoid those side effects or potential allergens, here are the best OTC options and some potential alternatives.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as medical advice. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking any new medication.

How do antihistamines treat allergies?

Antihistamines work wonders by disrupting the histamine reactors that trigger your allergy symptoms. Histamines are chemicals produced by your immune system that kick into high gear when you encounter something you’re allergic to, like pollen or dust. This creates a physical reaction as your body tries to expel the irritant from your system. 

Allergy medications target histamine receptors, preventing them from activating that “intruder alert” reaction in your body. This doesn’t mean your sensitivity to the allergen goes away, but the allergic reaction you have will be less severe. 

You can take OTC or prescription antihistamines daily or as needed. Antihistamines are most effective against certain allergens like the following:

• Air pollution

• Pollen

• Pet dander

• Dust mites

• Mold

• Mild food intolerances

• Chemical irritants on clothes, hard surfaces, or liquids

Allergy alert: While OTC antihistamines work well for daily allergies, any acute symptoms — like an anaphylactic reaction — require immediate medical attention. Note that daily use of allergy relief medication may not be enough to prevent serious side effects.

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8 different types of antihistamines

If you’re shopping for OTC brand name antihistamines, here are a few things to consider:

• Not every antihistamine is well-suited for every type of allergy. Take note of your symptoms, try to figure out what’s causing them, and then align that with the instructions on the box. 

• Antihistamines can come in pills, nasal sprays, liquids, inhalers, shots, skin creams, and mast cell stabilizers.

• Two generations of antihistamines exist: first-generation antihistamines, which contain sedation qualities and more substantial side effects, and second-generation antihistamines, which are non-sedative and usually have milder side effects.

• Typical side effects that you can see in both generations of antihistamines include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness.

Here are some of the best types of antihistamines that you can buy:

1. Claritin (Loratadine)

Claritin is a well-known second-generation antihistamine that helps with itching, runny noses, and sneezing. Side effects of Claritin can include headaches, drowsiness, and stomach pain.

2. Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Zyrtec is an oral antihistamine that helps with runny noses, sneezing, and watery eyes. It’s non-sedative and safe to use daily. Common side effects can include sleepiness, dry mouth, and sore throat. 

3. Allegra (Fexofenadine)

The popular antihistamine Allegra offers relief from watery eyes, runny noses, and hives. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and upset stomach.

4. Clarinex (Desloratadine)

Clarinex provides quick, easy relief from runny noses, itching eyes, and hives. While there can be side effects like sore throat, tiredness, and muscle pain, they’re usually mild. 

5. Visine (Pheniramine and Naphazoline)

Visine is an OTC eye drop medication that treats red, itchy, or swollen eyes. Side effects can include changes in your vision, ongoing redness, and eye pain. You should avoid using Visine every day.

6. Afrin (Oxymetazoline)

This nasal spray treats sinus congestion. Side effects of this decongestant can include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. However, you shouldn’t use it for more than a couple of consecutive days — doing so can worsen your symptoms.

7. Flonase Allergy Relief

Flonase is a second-generation, non-drowsy nasal spray that helps with sneezing and runny noses. Side effects can include nosebleeds or general irritation.

8. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)

Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine that relieves hay fever symptoms, itching, and coughing. Benadryl’s side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Avoid using this antihistamine if you plan to drive or operate heavy machinery.

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What if you’re allergic to Benadryl?

You may be searching for a non-drowsy Benadryl or allergic-to-Benadryl alternative medication.

But if you’re allergic, it’s not the end of the world. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, and with the arrival of second-generation medications, you’ll find many alternative options. Always consult your doctor when trying a new drug, especially if you already have a prescription that may cause adverse effects.

8 natural alternatives for allergies

If you’d rather avoid antihistamines, we have some alternative options you can explore.

1. Use HEPA filters

Put these high-grade filtration systems into use when allergy season is in full swing. They do a great job filtering pollen and dust from your house, lessening your allergy symptoms.

2. Keep your house free of contaminants

On top of installing a HEPA filter, you’ll want to keep your house free of irritants. You can do this by:

• Regularly washing your dog to remove pet dander.

• Participating in spring cleaning.

• Develop a cleaning checklist that you can use every week. 

3. Try Quercetin

This plant-based natural allergy medicine can block histamine production. 

4. Add more Vitamin C to your diet

Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and antioxidant that can help alleviate your allergy symptoms. You can incorporate more vitamin C by including more citrus fruits and cruciferous vegetables in your diet or adding vitamin C supplements. 

5. Identify the root cause of your allergy

Is your allergic reaction caused by exposure to a chemical or something you’re eating? If you can, cut that product out to reduce your need for daily antihistamines.

6. Add apple cider vinegar to your diet

Apple cider vinegar can assist with allergy symptoms and improve digestive health. You don’t need that much, either — just a teaspoon stirred into a glass of water three times a day.

7. Add locally-sourced honey to your diet

Local honey can improve your immune system’s response to seasonal allergies specific to your area, as it’s derived from pollen that local bees use. 

8. Add more spices and probiotics to your diet

Having good bacteria in your digestive system can boost your immune system. To improve your gut health, include garlic, ginger, turmeric, and chili peppers in your diet. You can also add probiotics from sources like yogurt and kefir.

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Wrapping up 

Do you need to shop for allergy medications or natural alternatives? Browse through Gopuff and find everything you need from the comfort of your home.