Allergy Medications

1. Allergy Medications Oral Antihistamines: • These medications are used to block the action of the histamine on the tissues. They do not stop the formation of histamine. • Possible side effects include: dry mouth, drowsiness. • OTC means medication is available over the counter (without a prescription). Non-sedating include: CLARINEX ® fexofenadine (OTC) loratadine (OTC) Sedating include: brompheniramine (OTC) cetirizine (OTC) chlorpheniramine (OTC) clemastine (OTC) cyproheptadine diphenhydramine (OTC) hydroxyzine levocetirizine

2. Allergy Medications Antihistamine Nasal Sprays: These medications are used to control nasal allergy symptoms not already controlled by oral allergy medication alone. Possible side effects include: bitter taste, drowsiness, bloody nose, headache. They include: azelastine (ASTELIN ®, ASTEPRO ®) PATANASE ®

3. Allergy Medications Antihistamine Eye Drops: These medications are used to control ocular allergy symptoms not already controlled on oral antihistamines. WARNING: contact lens wearers must wait 10-15 minutes after using eye drops before putting in their soft contact lenses. Possible side effects include: burning/stinging, headaches, bitter taste. They include: OPTIVAR ® ELESTAT ® ketotifen (OTC) PATANOL ® or PATADAY ™ LASTACAFT ® BEPREVE ®

4. Allergy Medications Nasal Steroids: These medications are used to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and some are approved to treat nasal polyps. Do not spray toward center of nose, instead aim outwards in order to decrease side effects. Possible side effects include: bloody nose, headache. They include: fluticasone propionate (FLONASE ®) VERAMYST ® flunisolide RHINOCORT ® OMNARIS ® NASONEX ® triamcinolone (NASACORT ® AQ) QNASL™ ZETONNA™

5. Allergy Medications Anticholinergics: This medication help to control nasal drainage. Possible side effects include: headache, bloody nose, nasal dryness, dry mouth/throat. They include: ipratropium bromide (ATROVENT® NASAL SPRAY)

6. Allergy Medications Mast Cell Inhibitors/Stabilizers: These medications are used to stabilize the cells that release allergy chemicals in the body. They work best when taken at least 10-15 minutes before exposure to your particular trigger(s). Possible side effects include: itching/burning at site, bad taste in mouth, sore throat, headache. They include: ALOMIDE ® ALAMAST ® cromolyn sodium (CROLOM ®) nedocromil (ALOCRIL ®) Combination meds: ketotifen (OTC) PATANOL ® PATADAY™ ELESTAT ®

7. Allergy Medications Decongestants: These medications are used to reduce swelling in the mucus membranes that cause nasal congestion, stuffiness and runny nose. This is accomplished by constricting the blood vessels thereby reducing the blood flow. WARNING: prolonged use of these nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion. Talk to your doctor about any other medications or health problems you have before taking a decongestant. Possible side effects include: increased blood pressure, nervousness, heart rhythm disturbances, insomnia. They include: oxymetazoline (AFRIN) pseudoephedrine phenylephrine Antihistamines + Decongestants: ZYRTEC® D CLARINEX® D CLARITIN® D ALLEGRA® D

8. Allergy Medications Epinephrine: These medications are used to treat severe allergic reactions but they are NOT a substitution for immediate medical care. You must call 911 after use. Possible side effects include: increased heart rate, jittery. They include: EPIPEN ® and EPIPEN JR. ® TWINJECT ®

9. Allergy Medications Topical Steroids: These medications are used to control skin inflammation. Strengths vary from least potent (Class 7) to super potent (Class 1). Do not use a topical steroids for longer than three weeks without consulting your doctor. Possible side effects include: skin thickening, changes in pigmentation, easy bruising and redness. They include: aclometasone amcinonide betamethasone desonide desoximetasone fluocinonide fluocinolone halcononide fluticasone clobetasol hydrocortisone halobetasol hydrocortisone mometasone triamcinolone

10. Allergy Medications Topical (clacineurin inhibitors) These medications are used to control inflammation but they are not steroids. Possible side effects include: skin burning. They include: pimecrolimus (ELIDEL ®) tacrolimus (PROTOPIC ®)

11. Allergy Medications Leukotriene Modifiers: These medications are used to control swelling but they are not steroids. They are effective in treating asthma and rhinitis. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop behavior or mood changes. Possible side effects include: upper respiratory infection, fever, headache, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, ear ache, runny nose. WARNINGFOR PKU: Cherry chewable tabs contain phenylalanine (a component of aspartame). They include: Montelukast (SINGULAIR ®)

12. Allergy Medications Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): Immunotherapy (IT) is designed to desensitize a person to specific allergens that trigger their allergy symptoms. IT is not effective for food allergies or intolerances, irritants such as cigarette smoke, odors or fumes. Allergy mixtures are tailored specifically for each patient based on their standardized skin tests. Our board certified allergists formulate each mixture. It may take six to nine months to notice benefits from immunotherapy. Patients are typically on IT for three to five years. Side effects may include local reactions such as redness, itching or swelling at the shot site. There is also a risk of potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). For this reason, it must be given in a medical facility capable of treating anaphylaxis.