Allergy medications — alone or in combination — can help relieve your allergy symptoms.
Because you can't always avoid allergy triggers, you may need medication to help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Allergy medications are available in pill, liquid, nasal spray, eyedrop and skin cream (topical) forms. Some are available over-the-counter while others are available by prescription only.
The best medication or combination of medications for you depends on your symptoms, what other health conditions you have and what other medications you take. Certain allergy medications work better for some people than others. You may need to try a few different medications to determine which ones are most effective and have the least bothersome side effects.
To choose the best allergy medications for you, learn what's available to treat your symptoms — and work with your doctor to figure out what medications is best for you.
Examples of central-acting agents
Central-acting agents are also called central adrenergic inhibitors, central alpha agonists and central agonists. Several central-acting agents are available. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.
Examples of central-acting agents include:
- Clonidine (Catapres)
- Guanfacine (Tenex)
- Methyldopa
Side effects and cautions
These medications can have strong side effects, so they aren't commonly used. Side effects include extreme fatigue, drowsiness or sedation, dizziness, impotence, constipation, dry mouth, headache, weight gain, impaired thinking and psychological problems, such as depression.
Abruptly stopping use of some central-acting agents can cause a sudden, dangerous increase in blood pressure. Don't stop taking these medications without talking to your doctor.
Examples of vasodilators
Several vasodilators are available. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.
Examples of vasodilators include:
- Hydralazine (Apresoline)
- Minoxidil
Side effects and cautions
Vasodilators are potent medications and are generally used only as a last resort, when other medications haven't adequately controlled your blood pressure.
These medications have a number of side effects, some of which require taking other medications to counter those effects.
Side effects include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations, fluid retention (edema), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, flushing, headache, nasal congestion and excessive hair growth. In addition, some vasodilators can increase your risk of developing lupus, a connective tissue disease.
Last Updated: 06/25/2007
