In this report
Overview
Know your triggers
Use the best treatments
Consider allergy shots
Can germs prevent allergies?
NATURAL REMEDIES
Some may help relieve hay-fever symptoms.

April 2009
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Use the best treatments

The first choice is the generic version of the antihistamine loratadine, or possibly cetirizine. Both are available without a prescription and cost less than their brand-name versions (Claritin and Zyrtec, respectively) as well as the prescription drug fexofenadine (Allegra and generic). All work equally well and are less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines, such as brompheniramine and chlorpheniramine. But trial and error may be necessary since people respond differently to the drugs. Many antihistamines are also sold in combination with a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine. Those usually aren't a good choice because they can cause serious side effects, particularly if you have an enlarged prostate gland, glaucoma, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Instead, try a prescription steroid nasal spray, such as fluticasone (Flonase and generic) or mometasone (Nasonex), or perhaps the prescription antihistamine nasal spray azelastine (Astelin). For itchy and tearing eyes, you could also try nonprescription eyedrops containing ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor, and generic).

 
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