Pollen season can be one of the worst times of the year for allergy sufferers, and with good reason. Allergies can make stepping outside of your door feel like a struggle, and breathing air full of airborne contaminants can cause runny noses, itchy eyes, hives, and swelling.

Sometimes it can be downright dangerous, depending on the severity of your allergy.

Someone may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines to deal with these side effects. But what do antihistamines do? We’ll cover everything you need to know about the best medicines for allergies. 

Disclaimer: This article isn’t intended as professional medical advice. As always, seek information from a doctor before taking any new medication.

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What are antihistamines?

Antihistamines are a type of medication that alleviates allergy symptoms. They do this by blocking histamines — a chemical created in the body by your immune system — from causing an allergic reaction. These medications deal with common allergies such as dust, pet dander, pollen, insect bites, mold, and mild food intolerances. 

These allergy medications can be taken in different ways: eye drops, liquids, chewable tablets, capsules, and pills. 

You might also be familiar with the Epi-Pen. They’re an emergency applicator of epinephrine, which acts as an injectible antihistamine for severe allergic reactions. 

When should I take an antihistamine?

Antihistamines can be taken when you come into contact with a known allergen or start to experience an allergic reaction to an unknown substance. The symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Itchy or runny eyes

• Congested, itchy, or runny nose

• Coughing or sneezing

• Hives or skin rashes

If your allergic reaction includes swelling around the face and throat or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately. It can be a sign of a severe reaction like anaphylaxis. 

What kind of antihistamines are there?

Several different types of allergy medicines can address different symptoms: 

• Corticosteroids help with congestion, itching, swelling, and skin rashes.

• Decongestants help with runny noses and sinuses.

• Epinephrine shots are used to treat life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis.

• Mast cell stabilizers prevent histamine released during an immune response reaction and are usually slow-acting. 

What is the difference between first and second-generation antihistamines?

First-generation antihistamines are sedating, with more potent side effects. They include drugs like Benadryl, Hydroxyzine, and Doxylamine. Second-generation antihistamines are non-sedating, with milder side effects, like Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec. 

Where can you buy antihistamine?

OTC options include common allergy remedies like the brand names Claritin and Benadryl. You can usually buy OTC medications at any drugstore’s or supermarket’s pharmacy counter. Stronger, prescription options require a doctor’s referral and include items like EpiPens.

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Can I take antihistamines every day?

Yes, but it strongly depends on whether or not you’re taking a first- or second-generation antihistamine. It also depends on what kind of allergy you’re trying to treat. As always, when beginning a new medication, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or worry about drug interactions.

Other questions you need to ask to determine if a daily dose is appropriate include:

• Is your medication a slow-acting one, acute, or only as-needed?

• Is your medication labeled “safe for daily use” on the bottle?

• Is your medication prescription-based? If so, how often and how much are you required to take?

• Does your medication have side effects that will interfere with your daily tasks? For example, do you need to drive all day or operate heavy machinery? An antihistamine like Benadryl will make you sleepy and more prone to accidents. 

• How do other cough, cold, or flu medications interfere with their effectiveness?

• Are there any medications that you take long term or for a chronic health condition that interfere with your allergies? 

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Which antihistamines can be taken daily?

As a general rule, look to second-generation antihistamines for daily allergy relief, not first-generation. Next, look at the instruction label on the bottle. Look up current FDA warnings for OTC medications if you’re concerned.

Some of the best daily antihistamines that you can take include:

• Allegra (Fexofenadine): This medication is used for treating watery eyes, runny noses, sneezing, and hives. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and an upset stomach.

• Clarinex (Desloratadine): Another option to treat runny noses, itching eyes, and hives is with Clarinex. Common side-effects include a sore throat, tiredness, and muscle pain.

• Claritin (Loratadine): Taking Claritin daily is generally safe, and is designed to treat itching, runny noses, and sneezing. All things considered, Claritin long-term use is reasonably safe, as the side effects of Claritin are usually headaches, drowsiness, and stomach pain.

• Zyrtec (Cetirizine): This pill is used to treat runny noses, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. Side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, and a sore throat.

What are the risks of taking antihistamines every day?

Even if the antihistamine you’re taking is relatively mild, certain preexisting conditions can put you at risk for an adverse reaction.

Those preexisting conditions are:

• Diabetes

• Epilepsy

• Enlarged prostate

• Glaucoma

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• An overactive thyroid gland

Additionally, if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or administering antihistamines to a child, always check with your doctor to see what is the proper dosage, if any. Never combine antihistamine medications, as it can lead to issues like elevated blood pressure. 

Some of the side-effects you may encounter with first or second-generation antihistamines include:

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth

• Blurry vision

• Constipation

• Weight gain

• Urinary retention

After seeing all of these side effects, you may wonder,  “Are antihistamines bad?” Far from it. It just means exercising caution and seeking immediate medical attention if serious side effects occur.

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Alternatives for antihistamines

Antihistamines aren’t the only medication you can use to alleviate allergy symptoms. Sometimes, simple changes in your diet and living space can help.

If you’d like to skip antihistamines and their potential side effects, check out:

• Quercetin. It’s a plant-based pigment sold in capsules that blocks histamine production.

• Adjust your diet to include more Vitamin C. It boosts your immune system, so you’re better prepared to deal with an allergic reaction. Try adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, like a healthy morning smoothie. 

• Use a HEPA filter in your house or apartment during peak allergy season. This should reduce pollen in the air and your direct exposure to irritants.

You should also beware of any potential allergens, like foods you’ve never tried, skincare products you’ve never used, or heavily fragranced cleaning products.

Don’t forget to browse Gopuff for the basics. You can order everything you need online, ensuring you don’t have to venture outdoors — and expose yourself to all of that pollen.