Ask the Pharmacist: Understanding Allergy Medicine

As we approach spring, you may be confronted with some symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose. So you're going to approach the pharmacy and probably get an over-the-counter antihistamine. You might then add a decongestant. And then the third line might be adding a corticosteroid to that drug regimen.

We have several alternatives for adults and children that are once a day, that are generally nonsedating. All medications have some adverse effects to them. But first, I always advise patients, before we make a recommendation, to find out if they're taking any other medications. It's important to at least inform the pharmacist of what medications you are taking before we make that recommendation to give you the over-the-counter product.