What is the best non-drowsy allergy medicine?

In this article:

• Compare non-drowsy allergy meds
• Best options
• How to choose
• Side effects and risks
• When to see a provider
• FAQs

In this article

• Compare non-drowsy allergy meds
• Best options
• How to choose
• Side effects and risks
• When to see a provider
• FAQs

Allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, or watery eyes can ruin your day. When you look for relief, the last thing you want is medication that makes you feel tired. Fortunately, there are many treatment options, including antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, and leukotriene inhibitors.

Oral antihistamines can all cause drowsiness, even the “non-drowsy” ones, while nasal antihistamines and corticosteroids, as well oral leukotriene inhibitors and decongestants, can usually avoid sedation as a side effect. Among oral antihistamines, Allegra (fexofenadine) causes the lowest risk of drowsiness, so it is often chosen when avoiding this adverse effect is the priority.

Discount coupons are valid for over-the-counter (OTC) medications only if prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Best non-drowsy antihistamine allergy medicines

Allegra (fexofenadine)

Allegra is an OTC, second-generation antihistamine for relieving allergy symptoms. The drug is available for adults as a 180 mg once daily extended-release tablet or a 60 mg tablet tablet twice daily.

Second-generation members of the drug class tend to cause less drowsiness than the originals, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine). That does not mean that they cause no drowsiness. In clinical studies, the most common adverse effects included headache, indigestion, fever, cough, upper respiratory infection, muscle pain, diarrhea, otitis media, runny nose, dizziness, and drowsiness. Allegra causes less sedation than other members of the class.

Claritin (loratadine)

Claritin is another OTC, second-generation antihistamine for relieving allergic rhinitis, including symptoms like sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and an itchy nose or throat. The recommended dose for allergy symptoms in adults and children aged six years and over is 10 mg once daily.

In clinical studies, the most common adverse effects in those 12 years and older included headache, drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. In those five to 12 years of age, the most common adverse effects were nervousness, wheezing, fatigue, restlessness, abdominal pain, conjunctivitis, hoarse voice, malaise, and an upper respiratory tract infection. Drowsiness is possible, more so than Allegra but less often than Zyrtec.

Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Considered more potent for alleviating allergy symptoms, the second-generation antihistamine Zyrtec is OTC and indicated for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The recommended dose for allergy symptoms in adults and children six years of age and older is 5 or 10 mg per day, depending on symptom severity.

In clinical studies, the most common side effects of Zyrtec in adults and children 12 years of age and older included drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, sore throat, and dizziness. The most common side effects in children ages six to 11 included headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, coughing, drowsiness, diarrhea, nosebleed, bronchospasm, nausea, and vomiting. Drowsiness is more likely to occur than with Allegra and Claritin.

Xyzal (levocetirizine)

Xyzal is another OTC antihistamine that is chemically related to Zyrtec. Levocetirizine is the active ingredient in Xyzal, and Zyrtec also contains levocetirizine. Since both have a common active ingredient, they show similar effectiveness in treating allergy symptoms. Xyzal pills are smaller than Zyrtec pills, which may make them easier to swallow. The recommended dose for allergy symptoms in adults and children 12 years of age and older is 2.5 to 5 mg once daily in the evening.

In clinical studies, the most common adverse effects of Xyzal in adults and children 12 years of age and older included drowsiness, cold symptoms, fatigue, dry mouth, and sore throat. The most common side effects in children ages six to 11 included fever, cough, drowsiness, and nosebleed.

Clarinex (desloratadine)

Clarinex is a prescription-only antihistamine that is the active metabolite of Claritin (loratadine). Because Clarinex is the active metabolite, for some people, it starts working a little faster than Claritin, which can take up to three hours to start working. The recommended dose for allergy symptoms in adults and children 12 years of age and older is 5 mg once daily.

Most people do not report drowsiness as a side effect, but the potential is definitely there. In clinical studies, the most common side effects of Clarinex in adults and children 12 years of age and older included sore throat, dry mouth, muscle pain, tiredness, sleepiness, and menstrual pain. In those younger than 12 years of age, the most common side effects included fever, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, coughing, increased appetite, nosebleed, parasitic infection, sore throat, and rash.

How to choose non-drowsy allergy medicine

Among the oral antihistamines, Allegra may have the best balance of efficacy along with lower risk of drowsiness. Treatment of allergies can take different forms, aside from antihistamines, that have less chance of making people sleepy. Nasal corticosteroid sprays, like Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasocort (triamcinolone), are generally more effective and have less chance of causing fatigue. Leukotriene receptor antagonists, including Singulair (montelukast), may not be superior in efficacy, but they have less of a sedating effect. By knowing your list of other medications and history of health conditions, your healthcare provider should be ready to advise you on the best treatment options.

RELATED: Allergy Meds 101: Your seasonal allergy med questions answered

Side effects and risks of allergy medicines

Antihistamines, including the newer less-drowsy antihistamines, are generally considered safe for adults and also safe for children over two years of age for long-term use when used as directed. The most common side effects seen are fatigue, headaches, and dry mouth. Many people who suffer from allergy symptoms benefit from long-term antihistamine use, even when experiencing the occasional minor side effect.

Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should check with their healthcare provider for medical advice on treatment options to determine if antihistamines are safe for them. Anyone taking antihistamines should know how the medicine affects them before driving or using machinery. In general, anyone with kidney disease, impaired liver function, or other medical conditions may need to avoid taking antihistamines.

Safely store antihistamines out of reach of children. Children can drink liquid antihistamines or swallow too many pills, and severe poisoning may occur. In case of overdose, contact a healthcare professional or Poison Control Center.

RELATED: Is it safe to take an antihistamine every day?

When to see a doctor

It is recommended to contact a healthcare provider if any of the following occur while treating allergy symptoms with an antihistamine:

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, unusual tiredness)
• New or worsening cough
• Pain
• Signs of an ear infection (fever, ear pain, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child)

Although rare, some people may experience a hypersensitive reaction to the ingredients in an antihistamine medicine. Emergency medical help may be required when the following severe symptoms of an allergic reaction occur: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take non-drowsy allergy medicine every day?

Many second-generation antihistamines can be taken daily when used as directed, but it depends on the specific medication, your symptoms, and your health history. Follow the medication label, and ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you’re unsure about long-term use.

Which antihistamine allergy medicine is least likely to make you sleepy?

Allegra (fexofenadine) has a particularly low risk of sedation and may be preferred when staying alert is important. But individual responses vary, and even antihistamines marketed as non-drowsy can cause sleepiness in some people.

Is Zyrtec non-drowsy?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine that’s less sedating than older antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine). However, some people experience drowsiness on Zyrtec, so see how it affects you before driving or doing other activities that require alertness.