Spring and summer bring bright skies, blooming flowers, and long outdoor days. But for many people, these seasons also come with an unwanted guest – allergies. If your nose starts running, your eyes itch endlessly, and sneezing feels like a daily workout, you're not alone. Allergies are a common part of life, and thankfully, there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines available to help you feel better.
The best part? You don’t need a prescription for most allergy relief options. You can pick them up easily from a pharmacy or order them online. But with so many choices out there, it’s important to understand what each type of medicine does and which one suits your symptoms best.
Let’s explore how allergies work and which OTC medicines are most useful in keeping them under control.
Why Do Allergies Happen?
An allergy is your body overreacting to something harmless, like pollen, dust, pet fur, or mould. Your immune system thinks this “trigger” is a threat and releases a chemical called histamine. This is what causes those irritating symptoms – sneezing, watery eyes, a blocked or runny nose, skin rashes, and more.
Some people have allergies only during certain seasons, like spring or summer (usually due to pollen). Others may deal with them all year round (because of things like dust mites or pet dander).
The good news is that understanding your symptoms can help you choose the right treatment – and most of the time, you can manage allergies with medicines easily available at your local chemist.
Types of Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicines
When it comes to treating allergies, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Different symptoms need different kinds of treatment. Here are the most common types of OTC allergy medicines and what they are used for:
1. Antihistamine Tablets
These are usually the first choice for treating general allergy symptoms. Antihistamines block the action of histamine, the chemical that causes sneezing, itching, and runny noses.
What they help with:
● Sneezing
● Runny or blocked nose
● Itchy or watery eyes
● Skin rashes or mild hives
Popular OTC options include:
- Cetirizine Hydrochloride – a non-drowsy option effective for a wide range of allergy symptoms
- Loratadine 10mg Tablets – another non-drowsy antihistamine that provides 24-hour relief
- Cetirizine 60 Tablets Value Pack – ideal for those who need longer-term supply at great value
Some antihistamines make you feel sleepy (especially older ones like chlorphenamine), so if you need to stay alert during the day, go for non-drowsy options like loratadine or cetirizine.
It’s usually enough to take one tablet a day, especially during allergy season.
2. Nasal Sprays
If your main problem is a blocked or stuffy nose, nasal sprays can bring fast and effective relief. These go straight into the nose and work by reducing inflammation or clearing congestion.
Types of nasal sprays:
● Steroid sprays (like beclometasone or fluticasone) – good for daily use during allergy season to prevent inflammation
● Decongestant sprays (like xylometazoline) – helpful for quick relief but only for short-term use (not more than 3 to 5 days)
Using a nasal spray correctly is important. Blow your nose first, then spray as directed. It may take a few days for steroid sprays to show full results, so be patient and use them regularly.
3. Eye Drops
If pollen or dust makes your eyes itchy, red, or watery, eye drops can be a simple and effective solution. These are specially made to soothe eye irritation caused by allergens.
Common ingredients include:
● Sodium Cromoglicate – helps prevent allergic eye reactions
● Antazoline offers quick relief from itchy eyes
Always wash your hands before using eye drops. A couple of drops in each eye, a few times a day, can bring much-needed comfort.
4. Skin Creams for Rashes or Itching
Sometimes, allergies show up on the skin in the form of red, itchy patches or mild hives. In such cases, using a topical cream can provide relief.
Useful OTC options:
● Calamine lotion – cools and soothes itchy skin
● Hydrocortisone cream (mild 1%) – helps reduce redness and swelling
● Antihistamine creams – for mild skin reactions
Avoid using steroid creams on broken skin or for long periods unless your doctor advises it. Also, don’t use these creams on your face without medical guidance.
Things to Keep in Mind While Using OTC Allergy Medicines
● Stick to the dosage instructions: Don’t take more than recommended, thinking it’ll work faster. It won’t – and it could cause side effects.
● Be careful with combinations: Some products contain more than one medicine. For example, some cold-and-flu tablets already include an antihistamine.
● Don’t mix sedating antihistamines with alcohol or while driving: It can make you feel very sleepy.
● Give it time: Some medicines take a few days to show proper results, especially nasal sprays. Don’t stop too soon.
Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Medicines help, but combining them with a few simple daily habits can improve things further:
● Keep windows closed during high pollen times (usually early mornings and evenings)
● Change clothes and shower after spending time outdoors
● Dust and vacuum regularly to reduce dust mites and pet dander
● Use a damp cloth to clean surfaces instead of dry dusting
● Avoid drying clothes outdoors on high pollen days
● Keep pets out of bedrooms if you’re allergic to animal fur
These little changes can go a long way in keeping your symptoms under control, especially during peak allergy seasons.
When to See a Doctor
Over-the-counter medicines work well for most people, but if your symptoms are:
● Severe or getting worse
● Not improving with regular OTC treatment
● Affecting your sleep or daily routine
● Involving breathing problems, chest tightness, or swelling of the face or lips
…it’s time to see a doctor. You might need a prescription-strength treatment or further allergy testing to figure out the exact cause and treatment plan.
Final Thoughts
Allergies can be frustrating, but they don’t have to take over your life. With the right over-the-counter medicines and some simple lifestyle habits, you can breathe easier, sneeze less, and feel more in control.
Everyone’s allergy experience is different, so don’t be afraid to try different options (safely) and see what works best for you. And when in doubt, your local pharmacist is always there to guide you.
For a convenient way to get trusted OTC allergy relief products delivered to your door, you can always count on OTC2U, fast, reliable, and just a few clicks away.