Over the counter hay fever meds
Discussion
Different types work better for others than for some. Between a few of my fellow hayfever suffering friends we have found that the best over the counter is benadryl relief based on acrivastine. Infinitely more effective than the cheaper loratadine etc. I often take 2 per day when the pollen count is high. I used to get prescription fexofenadine from my GP but swear by acrivastine now. Best of luck!
Agree with everyone else who says llook at the active ingredient and ignore the brand name. It's the same for painkillers and cold remedies. The own-brand stuff, which costs next to nothing, contains the same active ingredients in the same proportions as the branded products.
I use own-brand loratidine for hay fever, as citerazine makes me drowsy.
I use own-brand loratidine for hay fever, as citerazine makes me drowsy.
Paramedic and fellow hay-fever sufferer here!
My take and my experience with other patients - Loratidine is next to useless, although it seems to have the fewest side-effects, e.g. like drowsiness.
Certirizine seems to work well, CAN make you drowsy - however my personal experience is that it does not, and it works well.
There's another antihistamine that's not been mentioned yet - and it's one we also carry on our ambulances to treat anyphylaxis and acute allergic reactions - and that's Chlorphenamine. It's quite a powerful one, and again can cause drowsiness, but if you're really suffering, it is the best. It's branded as Piriton as over the counter meds - but check that the active ingredient is Chlorphenamine.
Lastly, I personally also get good results from Beconase nasal spray to stop the runny nose too.
Hope this helps!
My take and my experience with other patients - Loratidine is next to useless, although it seems to have the fewest side-effects, e.g. like drowsiness.
Certirizine seems to work well, CAN make you drowsy - however my personal experience is that it does not, and it works well.
There's another antihistamine that's not been mentioned yet - and it's one we also carry on our ambulances to treat anyphylaxis and acute allergic reactions - and that's Chlorphenamine. It's quite a powerful one, and again can cause drowsiness, but if you're really suffering, it is the best. It's branded as Piriton as over the counter meds - but check that the active ingredient is Chlorphenamine.
Lastly, I personally also get good results from Beconase nasal spray to stop the runny nose too.
Hope this helps!
Ray Luxury-Yacht said:
Paramedic and fellow hay-fever sufferer here!
My take and my experience with other patients - Loratidine is next to useless, although it seems to have the fewest side-effects, e.g. like drowsiness.
Certirizine seems to work well, CAN make you drowsy - however my personal experience is that it does not, and it works well.
There's another antihistamine that's not been mentioned yet - and it's one we also carry on our ambulances to treat anyphylaxis and acute allergic reactions - and that's Chlorphenamine. It's quite a powerful one, and again can cause drowsiness, but if you're really suffering, it is the best. It's branded as Piriton as over the counter meds - but check that the active ingredient is Chlorphenamine.
Lastly, I personally also get good results from Beconase nasal spray to stop the runny nose too.
Hope this helps!
My experience too. I use the supermarket own brand Cetirizine Hydrochloride tablets which are much cheaper than the big brands. I think they take a few days to work so don't expect immediate results / stop taking them too soon.My take and my experience with other patients - Loratidine is next to useless, although it seems to have the fewest side-effects, e.g. like drowsiness.
Certirizine seems to work well, CAN make you drowsy - however my personal experience is that it does not, and it works well.
There's another antihistamine that's not been mentioned yet - and it's one we also carry on our ambulances to treat anyphylaxis and acute allergic reactions - and that's Chlorphenamine. It's quite a powerful one, and again can cause drowsiness, but if you're really suffering, it is the best. It's branded as Piriton as over the counter meds - but check that the active ingredient is Chlorphenamine.
Lastly, I personally also get good results from Beconase nasal spray to stop the runny nose too.
Hope this helps!
Many thanks all for the advice and suggestions.
I got some Piriton from Tesco this morning, couldn't be bothered to check for non branded stuff I just wanted something quick!
Don't know if it one of those days were I'm not affected or they worked but I've been fine all day.
Did feel drowsy but I put that down to the F1
I got some Piriton from Tesco this morning, couldn't be bothered to check for non branded stuff I just wanted something quick!
Don't know if it one of those days were I'm not affected or they worked but I've been fine all day.
Did feel drowsy but I put that down to the F1
I'm not trying to be funny, but as a (retired) Pharmacist, I get a bit concerned about people asking a car forum this sort of question.
This sort of question is exactly what a Pharmacist is for. They're accessible, and went to university for 4 years to become experts in medication. Ask to speak to him/her when you go to the Pharmacy.
As people have mentioned in the thread, different ones work differently for different people. You may have to try a few different things before you find the right one, and the Pharmacist will be able to guide you through this process.
This sort of question is exactly what a Pharmacist is for. They're accessible, and went to university for 4 years to become experts in medication. Ask to speak to him/her when you go to the Pharmacy.
As people have mentioned in the thread, different ones work differently for different people. You may have to try a few different things before you find the right one, and the Pharmacist will be able to guide you through this process.
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