Best Allergy Medicine For Itchy Eyes And Sneezing
Allergies can ruin your day, making it difficult to breathe, sleep, or even concentrate. Itchy eyes and sneezing are some of the most common allergy symptoms. Fortunately, there are a lot of allergy medicines available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription to relieve these symptoms.
However, with so many options, it can be challenging to choose the right allergy medicine for itchy eyes and sneezing. In this article, we will discuss some of the best allergy medicines available in the market, their active ingredients, how they work, and their side effects.
1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines block histamine, a chemical released by the body in response to allergens. Histamine causes inflammation, itching, and sneezing. Antihistamines can be taken orally or applied topically to relieve allergy symptoms. Some of the best antihistamines for itchy eyes and sneezing include:
1.1 Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Cetirizine is a popular antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. It works by blocking histamine and reducing inflammation. Cetirizine is available in tablet and liquid form and can be taken once a day. It may cause drowsiness in some people, so it's best to take it before bedtime.
1.2 Loratadine (Claritin)
Loratadine is another antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. It works by blocking histamine and reducing inflammation. Loratadine is available in tablet, liquid, and chewable form and can be taken once a day. It doesn't cause drowsiness, so it's safe to take during the day.
1.3 Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. It works by blocking histamine and reducing inflammation. Fexofenadine is available in tablet and liquid form and can be taken once or twice a day. It doesn't cause drowsiness, so it's safe to take during the day.
2. Decongestants
Decongestants reduce nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. They can be taken orally or applied topically to relieve allergy symptoms. Some of the best decongestants for itchy eyes and sneezing include:
2.1 Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
Phenylephrine is a decongestant that relieves nasal congestion and sinus pressure. It works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. Phenylephrine is available in tablet and liquid form and can be taken every 4-6 hours. It may cause nervousness, restlessness, or increased heart rate in some people.
2.2 Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that relieves nasal congestion and sinus pressure. It works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine is available in tablet and liquid form and can be taken every 4-6 hours. It may cause nervousness, restlessness, or increased heart rate in some people. It's a regulated substance and can only be purchased from behind the pharmacy counter.
3. Nasal Steroids
Nasal steroids reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. They are applied topically and can take several days to start working. Some of the best nasal steroids for itchy eyes and sneezing include:
3.1 Fluticasone (Flonase)
Fluticasone is a nasal steroid that relieves allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Fluticasone is available in spray form and should be used once a day. It may cause nosebleeds, headaches, or sore throat in some people.
3.2 Budesonide (Rhinocort)
Budesonide is a nasal steroid that relieves allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Budesonide is available in spray form and should be used once or twice a day. It may cause nosebleeds, headaches, or sore throat in some people.
4. Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells, reducing inflammation and allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. They are applied topically and can take several days to start working. Some of the best mast cell stabilizers for itchy eyes and sneezing include:
4.1 Cromolyn (NasalCrom)
Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer that relieves allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. It works by preventing the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells. Cromolyn is available in spray form and should be used several times a day. It may cause nasal irritation or burning in some people.
4.2 Nedocromil (Alocril)
Nedocromil is a mast cell stabilizer that relieves allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. It works by preventing the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells. Nedocromil is available in eye drop form and should be used several times a day. It may cause eye irritation or burning in some people.
Conclusion
Choosing the right allergy medicine for itchy eyes and sneezing can be challenging, but it's essential to find a medicine that works for you. Antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, and mast cell stabilizers are some of the best allergy medicines available in the market. They work differently and may cause different side effects, so it's essential to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicine.