Best Over The Counter Medicine For Allergy Cough
Allergy cough is a common symptom of allergies, which can make you feel miserable, especially when you are not able to breathe properly. It is caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. While there are several prescription medications to treat allergy cough, over the counter (OTC) drugs can be just as effective. In this article, we will explore the best OTC medicines for allergy cough.
1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most common OTC medicine used to treat allergy cough. They work by blocking histamine, which is a chemical that is released by the immune system in response to an allergen. Histamine causes inflammation, itching, and other symptoms of allergies, including coughing. The following are some of the best antihistamines for allergy cough:
- Claritin (Loratadine): Claritin is a non-drowsy antihistamine that is available in tablet, liquid, and dissolvable form. It is effective in treating allergy cough caused by pollen, dust, and pet dander. The recommended dosage for adults is 10mg per day.
- Zyrtec (Cetirizine): Zyrtec is a fast-acting antihistamine that is available in tablet, liquid, and dissolvable form. It is effective in treating allergy cough caused by pollen, dust, and pet dander. The recommended dosage for adults is 10mg per day.
- Allegra (Fexofenadine): Allegra is a non-drowsy antihistamine that is available in tablet and liquid form. It is effective in treating allergy cough caused by pollen, dust, and pet dander. The recommended dosage for adults is 180mg per day.
2. Decongestants
Decongestants are another type of OTC medicine that can be used to treat allergy cough. They work by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces swelling and congestion. The following are some of the best decongestants for allergy cough:
- Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine): Sudafed is a decongestant that is available in tablet and liquid form. It is effective in treating allergy cough caused by nasal congestion. The recommended dosage for adults is 30-60mg every 4-6 hours.
- Afrin (Oxymetazoline): Afrin is a nasal spray decongestant that is effective in treating allergy cough caused by nasal congestion. The recommended dosage for adults is 2-3 sprays per nostril every 12 hours.
- Mucinex (Guaifenesin): Mucinex is an expectorant that is available in tablet and liquid form. It is effective in treating allergy cough caused by mucus buildup. The recommended dosage for adults is 400-600mg every 12 hours.
3. Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants are OTC medicines that can be used to reduce the severity of allergy cough. They work by blocking the cough reflex in the brain. The following are some of the best cough suppressants for allergy cough:
- Delsym (Dextromethorphan): Delsym is a cough suppressant that is available in liquid form. It is effective in treating allergy cough caused by dryness and irritation. The recommended dosage for adults is 10-20mg every 4-6 hours.
- Robitussin (Dextromethorphan): Robitussin is a cough suppressant that is available in tablet, liquid, and dissolvable form. It is effective in treating allergy cough caused by dryness and irritation. The recommended dosage for adults is 10-20mg every 4-6 hours.
- Vicks VapoRub (Camphor, Menthol, and Eucalyptus Oil): Vicks VapoRub is a chest rub that is effective in treating allergy cough caused by congestion and mucus buildup. It can be applied directly to the chest or throat. The recommended usage for adults is 2-3 times per day.
4. Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays are OTC medicines that can be used to treat allergy cough caused by nasal congestion. They work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. The following are some of the best nasal sprays for allergy cough:
- Flonase (Fluticasone Propionate): Flonase is a nasal spray that is effective in treating allergy cough caused by nasal congestion. The recommended dosage for adults is 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.
- Nasacort (Triamcinolone Acetonide): Nasacort is a nasal spray that is effective in treating allergy cough caused by nasal congestion. The recommended dosage for adults is 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.
- Rhinocort (Budesonide): Rhinocort is a nasal spray that is effective in treating allergy cough caused by nasal congestion. The recommended dosage for adults is 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, allergy cough can be treated effectively with over the counter medicines. Antihistamines, decongestants, cough suppressants, and nasal sprays are the best OTC medicines for allergy cough. However, if your allergy cough persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor. Additionally, it is important to read and follow the instructions on the label of any OTC medicine you take for allergy cough.