OTC: Allergy Relief

Pharmacists play a critical role in helping patients navigate the wide array of OTC allergy products to find the most appropriate relief for their specific symptoms. Whether a patient is dealing with seasonal allergies, pet dander, or indoor allergens, professional guidance ensures the selection of a product with the correct active ingredient and strength.

Pharmacists also serve as a vital safety check, assessing for preexisting health conditions—such as kidney or liver disease—or potential interactions with other medications before a patient begins a new treatment.

Best for Nondrowsy Relief

Allegra 24 Hour Tablets

Fexofenadine hydrochloride 180 mg

Manufactured by Chattem, Inc

Allegra 24 Hour Tablets provide fast-acting relief from seasonal allergies and symptoms such as sneezing; runny nose; itchy, watery eyes; and itchy nose or throat.

• The active ingredient, fexofenadine, is an antihistamine that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in "0% brain interference" and ensuring the medication does not cause drowsiness.
• The formula starts working within one hour and provides relief for a full 24 hours.
• Adults and children 12 years and older should take one 180-mg tablet with water once a day.
• Patients with kidney disease or those 65 years and older should consult a physician before use, and the product should not be taken with fruit juices or aluminum/magnesium antacids.

Best for Overall Allergy Relief

Claritin Allergy Relief

Loratadine 10 mg

Manufactured by Bayer

Claritin is a leading nondrowsy oral OTC brand recommended for the relief of symptoms caused by over 200 allergens, including pollen, mold, dust, and pets. It works by hindering the allergic cascade to temporarily relieve runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and itchy throats.

• For adults and children 6 years and older, the standard dosage is one tablet daily, not to exceed one tablet in 24 hours.
• Taking more than the directed amount may cause drowsiness.
• Patients with liver or kidney disease must consult a physician before use to determine if a different dosage is necessary.

Best for Fast-Acting, Prescription-Strength Relief

Zyrtec Allergy Relief Tablets

Cetirizine HCl 10 mg

Manufactured by Kenvue

Zyrtec tablets provide 24-hour relief for both indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. This prescription-strength antihistamine starts working at hour 1 and is clinically shown to work twice as hard on the second day of use.

• The recommended dosage for adults and children 6 years and older is one 10 mg tablet daily.
• Users are cautioned that drowsiness may occur, and they should avoid alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers while using the product.
• Patients with liver or kidney disease, or those who are 65 years and older, should seek medical advice before starting Zyrtec.