Types of Medications for Allergies

Normally, medication for allergies is the treatment of choice after the allergen has been identified and removed. For rare cases of very severe reactions, other therapy such as oxygen for breathing difficulties or intravenous fluids to boost blood pressure, are used. In addition, patients with very severe allergic reactions require hospitalization.

For normal allergies, there are many types of anti-allergy medications to choose from. The choice of medication and how it is introduced depend on the severity of the allergy.

For long-term allergies such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or reactions to dust or animal dander, long-acting antihistamines may be given. If antihistamines are ineffective, most doctors prescribe nasal corticosteroid. These prescription medications are effective and safe, free from any side effects that normally come from steroids by mouth or injection. You have to use the sprays everyday and may take a few days to take effect.

For more serious allergic reactions, the following medications are given right away to rapidly stop the symptoms: 

• Epinephrine. This is only given when the patient is suffering from anaphylaxis. This drug clears and dilates the breathing tubes. It also increases the blood pressure.

• Antihistamines for asthma like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

• Oral diphenhydramine.

• Corticosteroids. Normally introduced via IV to reverse the effects of the reaction.