From the Guidelines
The most effective medications for allergies are intranasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex), used as 1-2 sprays per nostril daily, which provide superior relief for nasal symptoms. For initial treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in persons aged 12 years or older, intranasal corticosteroids are recommended over other medications due to their effectiveness in controlling symptoms 1. Some key points to consider when treating allergies include:
- Second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10mg, loratadine (Claritin) 10mg, or fexofenadine (Allegra) 180mg taken once daily are effective in relieving symptoms with minimal drowsiness 1.
- Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can help with congestion but should be used short-term (3-5 days) to avoid rebound congestion 1.
- For allergic individuals with asthma symptoms, leukotriene modifiers such as montelukast (Singulair) 10mg daily may be beneficial 1.
- Combining an antihistamine with a nasal corticosteroid may be more effective than either medication alone for severe allergies 1. It's essential to note that the best approach may vary depending on the individual patient's needs and medical history, and it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
From the FDA Drug Label
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL-100'S COUNT Rising® 16571-402-10 Original Prescription Strength Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 10 mg 6 yrs & older Antihistamine ALLERGY Indoor & Outdoor Allergies 24 Hour Relief of: •Sneezing •Runny Nose •Itchy, Watery Eyes •Itchy Throat or Nose
- Cetirizine is an option for allergy relief, providing 24-hour relief from symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and itchy throat or nose 2.
- No conclusion can be drawn about omalizumab being used for general allergy relief, as the provided text does not directly support this use 3.
From the Research
Allergy Medications
The best medications for allergies include:
- Second-generation oral antihistamines, such as cetirizine, loratadine, and montelukast, which are effective in reducing nasal symptom scores 4
- Intranasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone propionate, which are recommended as first-line treatment for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis 4, 5
- Combination therapy of intranasal corticosteroids and oral antihistamines, which can be effective in treating allergic rhinitis 4
- Second-generation H1 antihistamines, such as fexofenadine, desloratadine, and loratadine, which are suitable for mild intermittent or mild persistent allergic rhinitis 5, 6
- Intranasal antihistamines, such as azelastine and olopatadine, which can be used as monotherapy or in combination with intranasal corticosteroids 5
Factors to Consider
When selecting an allergy medication, consider the following factors:
- Severity and frequency of symptoms 5
- Patient preference 4, 5
- Presence of comorbidities, such as asthma or eczema 5
- Prior treatment and response to medication 4
Types of Allergic Rhinitis
Different types of allergic rhinitis may require different treatment approaches:
- Intermittent allergic rhinitis: symptoms occur less than 4 consecutive days/week or less than 4 consecutive weeks/year 5
- Persistent allergic rhinitis: symptoms occur more often than 4 consecutive days/week and for more than 4 consecutive weeks/year 5
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis: symptoms occur during specific times of the year 5
- Perennial allergic rhinitis: symptoms occur year-round 5