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Allergy Medicine Ingredients

Allergy medicines are used to treat the symptoms of allergic conditions resulting from contact with triggers like mold, dust and pet dander. They're available in many formulations and strengths and may contain a combination of different medications. According to EverydayHealth.com, 1 in 5 people suffer from allergies, many of whom use over-the-counter allergy medications to treat their symptoms. Side effects may include drowsiness, sedation, rapid heartbeat and mood changes that fade as the medication wears off.

  1. Antihistamines

    • Antihistamines are allergy-fighting drugs that work by reducing the body's histamine response to perceived threats like pollen, mold and other allergens. There are two main types---the first and second-generation antihistamines, both having certain advantages and drawbacks.

      First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and clemastine (Tavist) are known for causing sedation and other negative side effects, but are generally effective in treating allergic symptoms. Second-generation antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra) are less likely to cause unwanted drowsiness but may be more expensive.

    Decongestants

    • Decongestants are used to combat the stuffy nose and sinus pressure caused by allergies. They work by constricting blood vessels in the nose, thereby unclogging nasal passages and making breathing easier. Common decongestants include pseudoephedrine, synephrine and phenylpropanolamine. Decongestants can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure, glaucoma and other conditions, so consult a doctor before use if you have a serious or chronic medical condition.

    Expectorants

    • Expectorants help clear the lungs of mucus. They work by loosening mucus and inducing coughing, which helps remove the excess mucus that traps bacteria and increases the risk of infection. Guaifenesin is the leading over-the-counter expectorant found in most allergy and cough medications. It has unique mucus-thinning and airway-lubricating properties that make each cough more productive and less painful.

    Cough Suppressants

    • Antitussives (cough suppressants) are often included in allergy medications to stop unproductive coughing. They suppress the urge to cough, allowing allergy sufferers to sleep and perform other daily activities without the painful interruption of coughing. Prescription allergy formulas often contain opiate cough suppressants, which work directly on areas of the brain that control the cough reflex. Over-the-counter preparations generally contain the NMDA antagonist dextromethorphan, also known as DXM.

      Cough suppressants are sometimes combined with expectorants. While it may seem counterproductive, the combination can help reduce the amount of coughing while increasing the productivity of each cough.

    Analgesics

    • Because allergies can cause headache, sinus pressure and other types of pain, analgesics are a common ingredient in many allergy medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the production of pain-causing chemicals called prostaglandins and include drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen.

      Acetaminophen is another popular analgesic and fever reducer. It goes by the brand name Tylenol and is not a member of the NSAID family. Acetaminophen is effective in treating headache, muscle and joint pain, fever and general aches and pains associated with cold, flu and severe allergies.

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