How to Take Allergy Medicine

Hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medications are available to help relieve and reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions. Depending on the type and severity of your allergy, consulting with a physician about a course of treatment is necessary to choose the right medicine, dosage and method of using the drug. Allergy medications come in pills and liquids, eyedrops, creams for skin allergies, and nasal sprays. Allergy shots may also be given for long-term relief from allergic reactions.

Things You'll Need

• Consultation with a doctor.

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Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about your allergy to determine the best treatment plan and allergy medicine for your needs.

• 2

  Take the medicine only as directed, whether it is a prescription or over-the-counter drug.

• 3

  Learn the five basic categories of allergy medication and how each helps allergy sufferers: corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, leukotriene modifiers and cromolyn sodium products

• 4

  Take corticosteroids to help prevent and treat the inflammation associated with allergic conditions that trigger nasal stuffiness, itching and runny nose. Examples of corticosteroid skin creams to relive itching include Hydrocortisone products such as Cortaid and Ala-cort.

• 5

  Take antihistamines to block histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by the immune system at the onset of an allergic reaction. Benadryl and Claritin are familiar over-the-counter examples.

• 6

  Use decongestants to relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Sudafed is a popular decongestant.

• 7

  Treat asthma with leukotriene modifiers, such as the brand-name drug Singular. These types of allergy medicines are available by prescription only.

• 8

  Get relief from hay fever and conjunctivitis by taking cromolyn sodium products, which are sold by prescription only.