Anti-Allergic

Anti-Allergy medications come in pill, liquid, inhaler, nasal spray, eye drop, skin cream and shot, or injection form. Most allergy medications are over-the-counter. These are the various forms of medicines to treat allergies. Discuss these with a medical practitioner to know the best for you.

What Are Antihistamines?

Various medications can treat allergies, such as steroids and allergy shots, but one of the first medications to attempt is an antihistamine. These are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that stop histamine, a chemical that makes your body form allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and hives.

How Long Does It Take for Anti-Allergy Medicine to Work?

For many of us, treatment of allergies is reactive. You get stopped up, your eyes get teary, and then you reach for the medicine cabinet for relief. Most over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines take effect within 30 minutes and are at maximum levels of performance within one to two hours. Many doctors insist we should take the medicine before we show symptoms. Label it allergy pretreatment.

By delaying, you may be putting more than just a little discomfort at risk. Once your allergy symptoms begin, you may require stronger medications to get them in check.