When Should I Start Taking My Allergy Medication?
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Key Takeaways
- Start antihistamines (e.g., Zyrtec®, Claritin®) and steroid nasal sprays (e.g., Flonase®, Nasacort®) two to four weeks before pollen season so the medication can build up and work at peak effectiveness.
- Antihistamine eye drops give immediate, 12‑hour relief for itchy, watery eyes; decongestants relieve nasal swelling but should be used only as needed and no longer than three days for nasal sprays.
- Pair medication with non‑drug strategies—such as nasal rinses, HEPA filtration, keeping windows closed during high pollen counts and changing clothes after outdoors—to reduce exposure and support overall health.
As spring kicks in, millions of Americans will deal with itchy eyes, sniffy noses, sneezing and fatigue thanks to pollen that descends from trees, grass and weeds.
There are several types of over-the-counter medications to help you manage hay fever and rhinitis. When you should start taking allergy medication depends on the type of medication. Here’s a look at when to start taking common types of allergy medications:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines such as Zyrtec® and Claritin® are one of the most common over-the-counter antihistamines. These drugs block histamine, which the body releases to deal with allergens and cause many common allergy symptoms, and provide relief.
While antihistamines can start providing relief right away, it’s best to start taking them two to four weeks before your allergy season starts, according to the Allergy Asthma Network. The antihistamines will build up in up in your system and offer greater protection from allergens.
Steroid nasal sprays
Steroid nasal sprays are over-the-counter allergy treatments, including Flonase®, Nasonex® and Nasacort®. These are a first-choice option to treat allergies because they are effective and have few side effects, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Like antihistamines, they can work right away but can take up to two weeks of daily use to be most effective. Start taking steroid nasal sprays a couple of weeks before you expect your allergy season to start.
One of the main side effects of steroid nasal sprays is nosebleeds. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) if you deal with this or any other side effects.
Eye drops
Antihistamine eye drops such as ketotifen can provide 12-hour relief from itchy and watery eyes. These drops start working immediately, and you can take them through your allergy season as needed.
Decongestants
While decongestants don’t treat allergies, they can help clear mucus out of the nasal passageways to relieve congestion and swelling. Oral decongestants can be taken as needed, and some such as Claritin-D® are combined with antihistamines.
Decongestants are also available as nasal sprays, but they should only be used for three days.
Talk to your PCP about chronic nasal congestion and safe treatment options, particularly if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, glaucoma or thyroid disease, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
More ways to manage allergies
Medications are only one way to deal with environmental allergies. It’s best to combine medications with lifestyle changes and habits to support your overall health. Here are a few other ways to safely manage allergy symptoms:
- Rinse your nasal passages with a neti pot.
- Use a humidifier and/or take a hot shower to relieve congestion.
- Keep windows closed and stay inside as much as you can when pollens are high, particularly in the morning.
- Change your clothing or shower after coming indoors to reduce the spread of pollens.
- Regularly wash your bed sheets and blankets.
- Use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters for single rooms and disposable filters for whole-house HVAC systems to keep the air clear of allergens and particles.
- Clean and dust your home often.
- Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom.
- Eat a nutritious diet and drink plenty of water.
- Get more rest as your body is working extra hard with pregnancy and fighting allergens.
Image: Getty Images
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