Antihistamines are widely used medicines to relieve the symptoms of hay fever (known medically as allergic rhinitis), hives, and other allergies.

They are effective and generally safe, but can be misused. You should make sure (by seeing a doctor) you have hay fever or another allergy before taking antihistamines on a regular basis. Some people who take allergy medicines do not have allergies.

This report evaluates four newer antihistamines. Studies show them to be equally effective. All cause less drowsiness than the older antihistamines sold widely as nonprescription drugs (such as Benadryl Allergy, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, and Dimetapp Allergy). However, the newer drugs are no more effective than the older ones at relieving symptoms.  The cost for the newer medicines varies from about $3 to more than $150 per month. This report shows how you could save $1,400 a year or more if you are currently taking an expensive brand-name antihistamine. Taking dosing convenience, cost, and evidence of effectiveness and safety into account, we have selected the following as Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs:

• Loratadine 10mg tablets
• Loratadine dissolving 10mg tablets
• Loratadine syrup 10mg
• Alavert tablets 10mg
• Alavert dissolving 10mg tablets
• Alavert syrup 10mg
• Tavist ND 10mg tablets

All are low-cost generics available without a prescription in drug and food stores. All are as effective and safe as the three prescription-only antihistamines [fexofenadine (Allegra), desloratadine (Clarinex), and cetirizine (Zyrtec)] at comparable doses. All contain loratadine, the active ingredient in the nonprescription drug Claritin (until 2002 a best-selling prescription drug).

Most insurers changed their policy when loratadine became a nonprescription drug. They now assume that most people will treat mild allergy symptoms just like they do a cold, the flu, or bouts of minor pain – with nonprescription medicines. Check with your insurer or health plan administrator about their policy on antihistamines.