Itching for Allergy Relief FDA regulates medications that offer
allergy relief. Here's a rundown of drug options that can help
you survive the sneezing season: Nasal corticosteroids: These
are typically sprayed into the nose once or twice a day to treat
inflammation. Drugs in this category include Nasonex (mometasone
furoate) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate). Side effects may
include stinging in the nose. Oral and nasal antihistamines:
These drugs, whether OTC or prescription, counteract the action
of histamine, a substance released in the body during an
allergic reaction. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Chlor-Trimeton
(chlorpheniramine) are examples of OTC antihistamines.
Drowsiness is a common side effect, so don't take these types of
drugs when you have to drive, operate machinery, or do other
activities that require you to be alert. Non-sedating OTC
antihistamines include Claritin and Alavert (both loratadine)
and Zyrtec (cetirizine). Zyrtec may cause mild drowsiness. Some
non-sedating antihistamines,