Allergy is a mysterious disease in its own way. It is not contagious, is not provoked by viruses or microbes, but can significantly disrupt normal life, causing a lot of unpleasant symptoms, and limits the choice of foods and drinks, and going outside during the dangerous season. In some cases, if anaphylactic shock or Quincke's edema develops, it can even lead to death if emergency assistance is not provided in time.
While doctors and scientists do not know why some people develop allergies. But the essence of what is happening is the excessive aggression of one’s own immune system against completely harmless and harmless substances. This can be house dust, pet hair, pollen from grasses and shrubs, and food components. Due to various pathological changes, the immune system forms antibodies in response to these harmless substances, which are called allergens, and an inflammatory reaction occurs in the body.
Rating of the top 10 inexpensive and effective allergy pills according to KP
Each generation of antihistamines includes agents that are widely used in the treatment or prevention of allergic reactions. We talked with experts and selected the most popular, actively used products that can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription.
Suprastin
Suprastin. Photo: Egis
The drug in tablets is available in any pharmacy and belongs to the first generation drugs. The main active ingredient is chloropyramine. It has a fairly pronounced antihistamine effect, the effect when taken in tablets occurs within 20 - 30 minutes, reaching a maximum by the end of the first hour. On average, the medicine works for up to 4 - 6 hours. In addition to the main effect, it affects blood vessels and smooth muscles, reducing swelling and skin itching, inhibits the action of the central nervous system (CNS), creating a sedative and mild hypnotic, calming effect. For acute allergies with itching and irritability, this is a useful action, but driving a car or engaging in activities that require concentration while taking Suprastin is prohibited. It also enhances the sedative, inhibitory effect of alcohol.
Indications:
- acute allergic reactions on the skin with rash and itching, including when taking medications;
- allergic rhinitis, both seasonal (hay fever) and year-round (reactions to dust, wool, mold);
- reactions to insect bites (including as a component of emergency care for anaphylaxis to the venoms of stinging insects, administered intramuscularly or intravenously);
- food allergies;
- various forms of atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Important! The medicine is not used for prophylactic purposes, it has side effects, the course of treatment should not last more than 5 - 10 days.
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Tavegil
Tavegil. Photo: FAMAR ITALIA, SpA
The drug in tablets is sold in pharmacies without a prescription; the active ingredient is clemastine. It belongs to the first generation of drugs, but unlike many others, it has a fairly long period of action - up to 8 - 12 hours. It is used to suppress acute allergic reactions with severe redness of the skin, swelling of the mucous membranes, itching and general malaise. It is used in the complex treatment of anaphylactic reactions (the solution is administered intramuscularly or intravenously).
Indications:
- acute allergic reactions to the skin with swelling and itching (contact dermatitis, reactions to food, medications);
- acute respiratory allergies (hay fever, year-round rhinitis);
- allergic conjunctivitis with itching, burning of the eyes and lacrimation;
- food allergies;
- atopic dermatitis and eczema (as a component of combination treatment).
Important! The drug has a pronounced sedative and antispasmodic effect, is prohibited when driving a car, and combined use with alcohol is unacceptable. The medicine should be used very carefully together with blood pressure medications and MAO inhibitors (antidepressants).
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Claritin
Claritin. Photo: Schering-Plough Labo NV
Available in the form of tablets and syrup, the active ingredient is loratadine. Second generation drug. When taken orally, it begins to work quite quickly, after 30 - 40 minutes, and the effect lasts up to 24 hours. It does not have an inhibitory effect on the nervous system, so it can be used by drivers and people who need extreme concentration. Can effectively suppress allergic reactions in the skin, respiratory tract and digestive system. However, with very long-term use it can affect kidney function, so treatment should be monitored by a doctor. Indications:
- acute allergic reactions to food, medications, household allergens;
- seasonal hay fever and year-round rhinitis, accompanied by severe swelling and itching of the mucous membranes, lacrimation, and runny nose;
- urticaria of various origins;
- allergic skin rashes with itching and redness.
Important! It can be used in children in the form of syrup, but it is important to monitor blood and urine tests, for example, in pregnant women according to strict indications. It is forbidden to take the drug together with alcohol; it may have sedative and toxic effects, including on the kidneys.
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Zyrtec
Zyrtec. Photo: UCB Pharma, SA
The tablets contain the active ingredient – cetirizine. They belong to the second generation of drugs, have a long-lasting effect and have virtually no sedative effects.
When taken orally, it begins to act within an hour, the effect lasts up to 24 hours or more. It has a decongestant and antipruritic effect, suppresses the release of histamine during allergic reactions, and can be used for preventive purposes during the hay fever season. It has a relatively small list of side effects and contraindications and is used in children (in the form of drops) and adults.
Indications:
- seasonal and year-round conjunctivitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis;
- food and drug allergies;
- various skin reactions with itching and swelling, redness;
- as one of the components in the treatment of itchy dermatoses and atopic dermatitis;
- prevention of seasonal hay fever.
Important! If you have kidney problems, you should take it only after consulting a doctor; it is incompatible with alcohol; the toxic effect on the kidneys may increase.
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Erius
Erius. Photo: Schering-Plough Labo NV
The drug is in tablets and syrup. It is of the third generation with the active substance – desloratadine. It has a long-lasting antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effect and can be used for the treatment and prevention of allergic reactions. It has an antipruritic and anti-edematous effect, does not affect the nervous system and heart muscle, and does not overload the kidneys. The effect of the medicine begins in 30 - 40 minutes and lasts more than a day.
Indications:
- allergic rhinitis, hay fever, conjunctivitis;
- food allergies, reactions to medications;
- elimination of various forms of allergic dermatoses with swelling and itching;
- prevention of seasonal exacerbations of allergies.
Important! Although the drug does not enhance the negative effects of alcohol on the body, you should not drink alcohol during treatment. This can affect the functioning of the kidneys and liver.
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Tsetrin
Cetrin. Photo: Dr. Reddy's
One of the most popular drugs for seasonal and year-round allergies. It belongs to the third generation drugs, the main active ingredient is cetirizine. It has a pronounced antiallergic effect, blocks H1-histamine receptors, but does not cause side effects typical of the first and partially second generation: drowsiness, inhibition of reflexes and reaction speed. Also, the drug does not impair the functions of the visual analyzer and does not have a negative effect on the functioning of the heart, liver tissue and kidneys.
Indications for use:
- year-round or seasonal runny nose, hay fever;
- allergic conjunctivitis, dermatitis;
- different forms of urticaria;
- Quincke's edema;
- prevention of food and drug allergies, etc.
Important! The drug is not compatible with alcohol; when taken together, negative effects and inhibitory effects on the nervous system may occur. The drug is eliminated from the body for a long time, so it can be taken once a day.
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Kestin
Kestin. Photo: Almirall
An antihistamine of the latest generation, available in the form of instant and regular tablets. The speed of onset of the effect depends on the form of release. The main active ingredient is ebastine, a histamine H1 receptor blocker.
The drug has an antihistamine, antiallergic effect, eliminates swelling, itching and redness of the skin and mucous membranes. After oral administration, it begins to work within an hour and the effect lasts up to 48 hours. It does not have a sedative or hypnotic effect, and does not cause dryness of the mouth and mucous membranes.
Indications for use:
- various types of allergic rhinitis (hay fever, year-round rhinitis);
- food and drug allergies, reactions to household dust, animals;
- urticaria, which is caused by various allergens;
- drug allergy.
Important! The drug is not used in children under 12 years of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The medicine is incompatible with alcohol.
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Loratadine
Loratadine. Photo: Tatkhimpharmpreparaty
The antihistamine drug belongs to the 2nd generation drugs. Effectively blocks H1-histamine receptors, eliminating swelling, itching and redness. The drug is effective for rhinitis, conjunctivitis and angioedema, and is useful for relieving itching and swelling from stinging and blood-sucking insect bites.
Indications for use:
- various forms of allergic rhinitis (both seasonal and year-round forms); hay fever;
- different forms of urticaria;
- dermatoses with skin itching, redness and swelling;
- adjuvant in the treatment of bronchial asthma,
- pseudoallergic reaction.
Important! The drug has some sedative effect, so when taking it, it is not advisable to drive a car or practice various activities that require high concentration.
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Zodak
Zodak. Photo: Zentiva
A fairly popular remedy against seasonal or year-round allergies. It belongs to the third generation drugs; the drug is based on the active substance – cetirizine. The tablets have pronounced antiallergic properties and block H1-histamine receptors for a long time. The medicine does not provoke side effects typical of first and partially second generation drugs. When taking Zodak there is no drowsiness, lethargy or decreased reaction speed. Also, the drug does not impair visual functions and does not have a negative effect on the functioning of the heart, liver and kidney tissues.
Indications for use:
- year-round or seasonal runny nose, hay fever;
- allergic conjunctivitis, various dermatitis;
- different types of urticaria;
- acute angioedema;
- prevention of food and drug allergies, etc.
Important! The drug is not compatible with alcohol; when taken together, negative effects and inhibitory effects on the nervous system may occur. The drug is eliminated from the body for a long time, so it can be taken only once a day.
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Allegra
Allegra. Photo: SANOFI WINTHROP INDUSTRIE
The latest generation anti-allergy drug. The most modern and safe product that works for a long time and effectively. The drug is based on fexofenadine hydrochloride. Selectively affects only H1-histamine receptors, without affecting their other types. The effect occurs quickly and lasts up to a day without side effects (sedative and inhibitory).
Indications for use:
- hay fever;
- year-round allergies;
- hives;
- various forms of dermatitis;
- reactions to insect bites;
- drug and food allergies.
Important! The drug is not used during pregnancy and lactation, in children of early and school age (up to 12 years).
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Types and causes of the disease
Dermatitis can develop on any part of the skin. However, in any case, you need to contact a specialist to establish possible causes and select appropriate treatment, especially if the patient is a small child. Self-treatment may cause the condition to worsen
There are many types of dermatitis, often they have similar symptoms, so they can be confused. That is why it is necessary to contact a specialist to carry out all the necessary examinations and, if necessary, undergo additional ones.
Contact dermatitis can occur due to three factors:
- Exposure to chemicals (acids and caustic compounds),
- Physical contact - different temperatures, pressure, friction,
- A biological factor involves contact with certain types of plants that can cause a negative reaction on the skin.
The size of the damaged areas depends on the degree of contact of the irritating substance with the skin. Allergic forms of dermatitis occur in people who have hypersensitivity to various substances and compounds.
The use of vitamin complexes for skin diseases internally and externally gives a good effect; as a rule, they are used in combination with other medications.
How to choose allergy pills
Naturally, your doctor should select a specific drug based on what type of allergy you have, how severe and widespread it is, and what effects you want to achieve. Plus, the specialist will definitely take into account all contraindications and possible combinations with other medications you are taking.
But if there is a need to choose allergy pills in order to reduce symptoms and improve the condition as soon as possible, you can focus on certain data. First of all, what generation does the drug belong to? According to WHO, antihistamines are divided into three generations, depending on the level of activity, side effects and safety profile, and the possibility of long-term use.
With the development of pharmacology, the positive properties regarding allergies increased, the time of exposure to the active substance was extended, the number of side effects was reduced, addiction and the list of contraindications were reduced. However, this does not mean that the first generation is bad medicine. Today, drugs of all generations are used, depending on the situation and human needs.
Signs of dermatitis
With dermatitis, symptoms develop gradually. At each stage, symptoms appear with different intensities and persist for different times. Dermatitis goes through the following stages:
- Severe itching
- The appearance of redness
- Development of swelling,
- Bubble formation
- The process of bursting bubbles
- Formation of weeping ulcerative lesions,
- Drying, formation of crusts, cracks,
- The appearance of blue-pink spots and scar formation.
With the allergic form of dermatitis, the last stage does not develop.
Popular questions and answers
Regarding the treatment of allergies and the use of antihistamines, we talked with a general practitioner, endoscopist, and head of the organizational and methodological office, Lydia Golubenko.
Why might allergies occur?
While we cannot say for sure what triggers the allergy. We can definitely say that hereditary predisposition plays a certain role: if parents suffer from allergies, the risks in children increase to 50 - 80%. In addition, the immune system suffers from external factors - poor ecology, various foreign substances that enter the body (dyes, preservatives, excess medications used without a doctor’s permission). One theory is the excessive cleanliness and almost sterile conditions that we create for our children after birth. This prevents the immune system from being exposed to infections and learning, so it overreacts to allergens.
What to do if you have an allergy?
The best decision is to go to the doctor. Under the guise of allergies, various infections, fungal skin infections and somatic diseases can occur. You need to do allergy tests, determine the specific substance that causes the reaction, and only then, together with the doctor, choose the optimal treatment. By the way, these will not always be medications; sometimes it’s enough just to remove the allergen from your life and the reactions will stop.
When is it necessary to call a doctor at home?
An allergy is not such a serious condition that you need to call a doctor at home. But there is one exception - acute anaphylactic reactions that develop from insect bites, taking certain medications or dangerous foods. These reactions develop sharply and quickly, swelling of the throat or shock occurs, and you need to immediately call an ambulance and take the person to the hospital, where dangerous reactions will be relieved. Experienced allergy sufferers generally carry with them everywhere a first aid kit with syringes and ampoules of medications that need to be administered immediately.
Is it possible to do the treatment yourself?
Although most antihistamines are sold in pharmacies without a prescription, you should not self-medicate. In addition to their indications for use, medications also have a number of side effects and contraindications that can only be assessed by a doctor. Therefore, antihistamines should be selected only with a specialist. Choosing the best allergy pills is not easy; it is important to take into account the type of allergy - food, skin, hay fever, as well as the age of the patient and any additional pathologies he has.
Any medications have side effects and contraindications. Our rating is a review and is not a guide to action. Before purchasing medications, consult your doctor.
Sources:
- Sidorovich O.I., Luss L.V. Food allergy principles of diagnosis and treatment // MS. 2016. No. 16. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/pischevaya-allergiya-printsipy-diagnostiki-i-lecheniya
- Campbell A., Michel FB, Bremard-oury C., Crampette L., Bousquet J. Review of allergy mechanisms // Difficult patient. 2013. No. 5. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/obzor-mehanizmov-allergii
- Minaeva N.V., Shiryaeva D.M. Hay fever and supporting information resources. RMJ. Medical Review. 2021;5(1):38-42. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021-5-1-38-42.
- Torshkhoeva Raisa Magometovna Allergies and antihistamines // PF. 2008. No. 3. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/allergiya-i-antigistaminnye-preparaty
Vitamin deficiency and dermatitis
Quite often, the cause of the development of skin diseases is banal vitamin deficiency. A lack of beneficial microelements leads to a weakening of the immune system, as a result, all organs become more susceptible to the development of various pathological processes. However, skin problems can often be caused by a reverse reaction - an increased content of certain elements in the body. For example, excess copper or iron often leads to skin becoming dry and constantly flaking. Therefore, it is important to consult a specialist to accurately identify the cause of dermatitis, as a result of which he will select the most appropriate dosage of the necessary substances.
The development of vitamin deficiency can be provoked by:
- Poor nutrition. This phenomenon occurs as a result of many reasons - constant dieting, the presence of allergic reactions, social reasons.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, disturbances of intestinal microflora.
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
With a lack of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) in the body, the amount of necessary chemical compounds that are needed for the normal functioning of beneficial elements is reduced. As a result, the process of absorption and movement within the body is disrupted.
If there is a lack of water-soluble vitamins (C, H, group B, nicotinic and folic acid), then the cellular immunity of the skin is disrupted and its protective functions are reduced.
