What to know about prescribed allergy medication

Allergy medicines often include antihistamines, nasal treatments, eye drops, or other medicines selected for the affected area. Allergic rhinitis can cause a runny or blocked nose, while allergic conjunctivitis commonly affects the eyes. House dust mites and pets are possible triggers, but symptoms can have other causes, so treatment should match the pattern rather than a guessed trigger.

Use the prescribed dose and route, and follow instructions about regular or as-needed use. Ask a pharmacist before combining products, because several cold or allergy remedies may contain similar ingredients. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness or a dry mouth; see how you respond before driving or operating machinery. Use nasal sprays with the technique shown, and keep eye-drop tips clean. Tell your clinician about pregnancy, breastfeeding, glaucoma, prostate problems, and other medicines.

Call emergency services for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, collapse, or rapidly worsening symptoms after an exposure. Arrange a clinical review when symptoms keep returning, treatment causes troublesome effects, one eye is painful or vision changes, or nasal symptoms are accompanied by fever or facial pain. Do not rely on routine allergy medicine for a severe reaction.

Ask which trigger or symptom the prescription targets, how quickly it should help, how long to use it, whether drowsiness is expected, and what to do if the medicine does not control your symptoms.