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There is no cure for allergies, but there are several types of medicines available -- both over-the-counter and prescription -- to help ease annoying symptoms like congestion and runny nose. These include antihistamines, decongestants, combination medicines, corticosteroids and others.

Allergy shots, which gradually increase your ability to tolerate allergens, are also available.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines have been used for years to treat allergy symptoms. They can be taken as pills, liquid, nasal spray or eye drops. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can relieve red itchy eyes, while nasal sprays can be used to treat the symptoms of seasonal or year-round allergies.

Examples of antihistamines include:

• Over-the-counter: Benadryl, Claritin, Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetane and Tavist. Ocu-Hist is an OTC eye drop.
• Prescription: Clarinex, Allegra, and Zyrtec. Astelin is a prescription nasal spray. Eye drops include Emadine and Livostin.

How Do Antihistamines Work?

When you are exposed to an allergen -- like ragweed pollen -- it triggers your immune system to go into action. Immune system cells known as "mast cells" release a substance called histamine, which attaches to receptors in blood vessels causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching and changes in secretions. By blocking histamine receptors, antihistamines prevent these symptoms.

What Are the Side Effects?

Many over-the-counter antihistamines cause drowsiness. Non-sedating antihistamines are available by prescription.

Decongestants

Decongestants relieve congestion and are often prescribed along with antihistamines. They come in nasal spray, eye drop, liquid or pill form.

Nasal spray and eye drop decongestants can be used for only a few days, since long-term use can actually make symptoms worse. Pills and liquid decongestants may be taken longer safely.

Some examples of decongestants include:

• Over-the-counter: Sudafed tablets or liquid, Neo-Synephrine and Afrin nasal sprays, and Visine eye drops.
• Prescription: Prescription decongestants include drugs like Claritin-D, Allegra-D and Zytec-D that combine a decongestant with another allergy medicine.