Choosing OTC Allergy Medicine: A Spring Safety Checklist

Start with the symptom, not the package color

Before comparing products, write down what is bothering you: sneezing, an itchy or runny nose, itchy eyes, or congestion. Note how long symptoms have lasted and what you have already tried. This gives a pharmacist more useful information than asking for the “strongest” allergy medicine.

Different medicine types do different jobs. Oral antihistamines can help allergy symptoms; nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce nasal inflammation and work best with regular use rather than as a one-time rescue treatment. Decongestants target congestion. MedlinePlus explains these differences, including why decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for more than three days in a row.

These categories are not a personalized recommendation. A pharmacist or clinician can help determine which, if any, fits your situation.

Read these five parts of Drug Facts

Use the FDA’s OTC label guidance when comparing two boxes:

• Active ingredient: Write down the ingredient and strength. Similar brand names can contain different medicines, and different brands can contain the same one.
• Uses: Check that the medicine actually treats your symptom. A combination product may include ingredients for symptoms you do not have.
• Warnings: Look for drowsiness, medical-condition precautions, interactions and directions about when to ask a professional.
• Directions: Check the correct age group, dose, interval and maximum use. Do not borrow adult directions for a child.
• Other products at home: Compare ingredients with cold medicines, nighttime remedies and sleep aids before combining anything. Ask a pharmacist to check possible overlap.

Read the actual package every time, even when you recognize the name. Ingredients and warnings can change.

Plan around drowsiness and driving

Some antihistamines cause more sleepiness than others. “Less sedating” does not mean every person can safely drive after taking one. The FDA warns that antihistamines can slow reaction time and affect concentration even without obvious drowsiness.

Take a medicine for the first time when you will not need to drive. Follow its driving warnings, and ask about alcohol, sleep medicines and other sedating products before combining them. Do not assume taking a product at night prevents effects the following morning.

Bring these questions to the pharmacist

Have your medication list and the product label ready. Mention pregnancy or breastfeeding, the patient’s age, existing health conditions and previous reactions to allergy medicines.

Ask:

• Does this ingredient match the symptoms I described?
• Does it duplicate or interact with anything I already take?
• How soon should improvement be expected, and how is this spray or other formulation used correctly?
• What warning signs or lack of improvement mean I should contact my clinician?

Severe symptoms, symptoms that do not improve with treatment, or increased wheezing or coughing warrant medical evaluation rather than repeatedly switching OTC products. For local service information, see OTC medicines in Eltingville.

Sources

• MedlinePlus: Allergic rhinitis self-care
• FDA: The OTC Drug Facts Label
• FDA: Some Medicines and Driving Don’t Mix