Food Allergies - Medications
Medicine is used to treat some food allergies. Medicines to treat a severe allergic reaction or an anaphylactic reaction are packaged in a prescribed allergy kit.
For mild allergic reactions, people often try nonprescription medicines first. You can try prescription medicines if over-the-counter medicines fail to control allergy symptoms or if they cause drowsiness or other bothersome side effects.
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Medication Choices
Medicines used to treat a severeallergic reaction include:
- Epinephrine. Epinephrine is given as a shot. It acts quickly to stop the further release of histamine and to relax the muscles that help you breathe.
- Antihistamines. Antihistamines block the action of histamine during an allergic reaction and help improve symptoms such as itching and sneezing.
- Corticosteroids. These medicines help reduce inflammation.
Medicines used to relieve mild food allergy symptoms include:
- Antihistamines and corticosteroids for hives, gastrointestinal symptoms, or sneezing and a runny nose.
- Bronchodilators for asthma symptoms. Bronchodilators relax the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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