Prescription allergy medicine: Navigating your options
Allergies are caused by the body’s reaction to a foreign substance, called an allergen.1 People with allergies may react differently to allergens such as pollen, certain foods, insect stings or some medicines. Allergens may cause mild symptoms, such as sneezing or itchy eyes.1 For some, certain allergens can cause a life-threatening emergency called anaphylaxis.1
When to see an allergy specialist
Some allergies may be managed by taking over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicine. If OTC medicines aren’t providing relief, your primary care provider (PCP) may recommend a prescription allergy medicine or refer you to an allergist. An allergist can administer allergy skin tests, which are used to help diagnose allergies.2
Types of allergy medicine
Allergy medicines come in many forms: pills, liquids, inhalers, nasal sprays, eye drops, skin creams and shots.3 Shots are also called injections.
For anaphylaxis, a prescription medicine called epinephrine is given with an autoinjector shot.4 These shots have a self-injecting syringe and needle.3 Emergency medical care is also needed to treat anaphylaxis.
OTC medicine can come in the form of pills, liquids, inhalers, nasal sprays, creams or eyedrops, depending on the medication. Common OTC allergy medicines include:
- Antihistamines
- Corticosteroids
- Decongestants
Although drowsiness is a common side effect of some OTC antihistamines, there are several non-drowsy allergy medicine options.
When OTC medications no longer provide relief, a PCP may recommend prescription medications to help prevent, as well as treat, various allergies and symptoms. Different types of medications work in different ways and may be prescribed by themselves or with other medications, depending on the type of allergy and symptoms.
Prescription corticosteroid pills may be used to treat severe symptoms caused by all types of allergic reactions.3
Oral corticosteroids include:
- Methylprednisolone
- Prednisolone
- Prednisone
A leukotriene inhibitor is another type of oral allergy medicine. It is used to relieve symptoms of asthma and hay fever. The most common prescription leukotriene inhibitor is montelukast.
A provider may recommend immunotherapy if other medicines aren't working. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a prescription allergy treatment for dust mites, grass and ragweed.3 SLIT is a small amount of an allergen in a medicine pill that may be placed under the tongue.
Inhaled corticosteroids are also called glucocorticoid sprays. They are commonly used to prevent and relieve nasal allergy symptoms from seasonal hay fever. They may also help asthma symptoms that are made worse by allergens in the air.3 Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with other medicines to help you breathe better.
Types of prescription corticosteroid sprays:
- Beclomethasone
- Budesonide
- Ciclesonide
- Fluticasone
- Mometasone
Some antihistamine eye drops require a prescription and may be combined with other medicines. They are commonly prescribed for red, swollen or itchy eyes.3
Corticosteroid eye drops are also used to treat itchy, red or watery eyes. An eye doctor, or ophthalmologist, usually prescribes corticosteroid eye drops.
Corticosteroid eye drops include:
- Loteprednol
- Prednisolone
Types of mast cell stabilizer eye drops:
- Cromolyn
- Lodoxamide
- Nedocromil
Corticosteroid creams may help with allergic skin reactions, such as contact dermatitis,5 redness, itching or scaly skin.3
Types of prescription corticosteroid creams:
- Hydrocortisone
- Desonide
- Mometasone
- Fluocinolone
- Triamcinolone
- Betamethasone
Immunotherapy treatments may be given as shots. These shots are usually timed and monitored carefully by an allergist.3 When this treatment is successful, your body will stop attacking the allergens.1
Biologic medicine is a type of prescription allergy shot. These medicines are used to treat allergic conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, hives and food allergies.3
Biological medicines given by shot include:
- Dupilumab
- Omalizumab
- Mepolizumab
Tips for managing allergies with prescription medication
When you see your provider, bring a list of your symptoms, triggers and questions. This will help you create an allergy management plan. Managing your allergies may include:1
- Avoiding allergens, when possible
- Taking allergy medicine as prescribed
- Keeping a diary of triggers
Talk to your PCP or allergist to help you choose the safest and most effective allergy medicine for you. You and your provider may consider:
- Medication side effects or interactions
- Speed to feel better
- Severity of symptoms
A combination of allergy medicine and learning how to manage your environment may help you feel better.
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