|  | Conditions Treatments | Allergies

Medicine for Cat Allergies

Allergies are abnormal reactions to things in the environment. In an allergic reaction, the body's immune system reacts to something and treats the substance as harmful to the body. One of the body's reactions is to release a chemical called a histamine. Flakes from a cat's skin, called dander, often trigger histamine releases in people who are allergic to cats, but there are a number of ways to minimize allergic reactions to cat dander.

  1. Benadryl

    • Benadryl is an over-the-counter allergy medication that can provide relief for cat allergies in some people. Benadryl products are available in several forms in strengths appropriate to both children and adults. The medicine in Benadryl is diphenhydramine. In some people, diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, indigestion and heartburn.

    Claritin

    • Claritin is also an over-the-counter medication for allergies. The antihistamine used in Claratin is loratadine. Claritin was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 as a prescription allergy medication. In 2002, the FDA approved over-the-counter sales of Claratin and loratadine products. Side effects of Claratin include headache, drowsiness and dry mouth.

    Zyrtec

    • Zyrtec is another over-the-counter antihistamine. Cetirizine, the active ingredient in Zyrtec, can help relieve cat allergy symptoms. Zyrtec is available in a number of formulas, including medicines appropriate for adults and children. Zyrtec side effects can include drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, confusion and vision problems.

    Prescription Medication

    • If you are susceptible to side effects from antihistamines, another class of allergy medication, called corticosteroids, is available by prescription only. In addition, your doctor can prescribe other forms of antihistamines that may not trigger side effects. Some prescription allergy medication is taken daily in pill form. For people with severe cat allergies, a periodic allergy shot can be very effective.

    Herbs

    • Several herbs can help relieve your allergic reaction to cats. The best known is stinging nettles, available in capsule form. Other herbs that can help with cat allergies are licorice root, cayenne, fenugreek and eyebright. Consult a natural market or pharmacy for recommendations on herbal blends that could help with cat allergies more than a single herb.

Allergies - Related Articles