Antihistamines
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) for indoor, outdoor, and food-related allergies
Targets the root cause of allergies by training your immune system over time
Convenient at-home treatment, shipped directly to you
Personalized formulas tailored to your specific allergy triggers
Clinician-guided care, prescribed and monitored by licensed Allergy Center providers
Starting at
$50/mo
Overview
Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions. They're a first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis, hives, and other allergic conditions.
types
otc
second Generation
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec) - may cause some drowsiness
- Loratadine (Claritin) - generally non-sedating
- Fexofenadine (Allegra) - non-sedating
first Generation
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - sedating, short-acting
- Useful for nighttime symptoms or acute reactions
prescription
options
- Desloratadine (Clarinex) - non-sedating
- Levocetirizine (Xyzal) - may cause some drowsiness
- Rupatadine - for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria
advantages
May offer additional benefits or different side effect profiles
sedating
first Generation
- Diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine
- Cross blood-brain barrier, causing drowsiness
- Useful for nighttime use
- Can impair cognitive function and driving
considerations
Avoid during activities requiring alertness
non Sedating
second Generation
- Cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine
- Minimal to no drowsiness
- Better for daytime use
- Can be taken long-term
note
Some individuals may still experience drowsiness with cetirizine
dosing
tips
- Take regularly for best results (not just when symptoms occur)
- Can take 1-2 hours before known allergen exposure
- Some work better when taken consistently
- Follow package instructions or provider recommendations
- Don't exceed recommended doses
timing
- Morning dosing for daytime symptoms
- Evening dosing if mild drowsiness is acceptable
- Consistent timing improves effectiveness
uses
- Allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes)
- Urticaria (hives)
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Mild allergic reactions
limitations
- Less effective for nasal congestion (nasal steroids better)
- May need combination with other medications
- Not a substitute for epinephrine in anaphylaxis
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan.