Allergies

Fast relief for hay fever, pet and dust allergies and insect bites: non-drowsy antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays from Beconase, Flixonase and Nasacort, drug-free Sterimar saline and Anthisan for bites. Pharmacist advice on combining them for the best control.

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Getting allergies under control

Antihistamine tablets

Cetirizine (Zirtek, Cetrine), loratadine (Clarityn) and fexofenadine (Telfast, Fexo) are all once daily and non-drowsy for most people. They are equally effective overall but people respond differently, so if one does not work after a week, switch rather than double up. Fexofenadine is the least sedating and the usual choice for drivers and anyone who found cetirizine made them sleepy. Zirtek oral solution suits children from two years. Chlorphenamine (Piriton) works fast but causes drowsiness; keep it for night-time itch or hives.

Nasal sprays

If a blocked, runny or itchy nose is the main problem, a steroid nasal spray (Beconase, Flixonase, Nasacort) beats tablets. They take a few days to reach full effect and work best used every day through the season, started a week or two before your usual symptoms. Sterimar saline rinses pollen out and can be added at any time.

Itchy eyes

See our eye care range for antihistamine drops, which work faster on eyes than tablets.

Bites and stings

Anthisan cream (an antihistamine) stops the itch of insect bites and nettle stings. A cold compress and a 1% hydrocortisone cream help bigger reactions. Stings in the mouth or throat, or swelling that spreads rapidly, are an emergency.

Combining treatments

For bad hay fever: a daily antihistamine tablet, plus a daily steroid nasal spray, plus eye drops as needed. This combination controls most cases. If it does not, a GP can prescribe stronger options or arrange allergy testing.

Pollen in Ireland: tree pollen March to May, grass pollen May to July (the worst for most people), weed pollen until September. Check the Met Éireann pollen forecast and start treatment early.

Common questions about allergies

Which antihistamine is best for hay fever?

Cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine all work well. Fexofenadine (Telfast, Fexo) causes the least drowsiness; cetirizine is slightly stronger for some people but can make a minority sleepy. If one does not suit you, try another.

Can I take antihistamines every day?

Yes, the non-drowsy ones are designed for daily use through the pollen season and are safe long term for most adults. Take them regularly rather than waiting for symptoms.

Beconase, Flixonase or Nasacort?

All are once- or twice-daily steroid nasal sprays with similar effectiveness. Flixonase and Nasacort are once daily; Beconase is twice daily and often cheaper. Pick the one you will use consistently, and give it a week.

Are antihistamines safe in pregnancy?

Loratadine and cetirizine are generally considered the safest options in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but check with us or your GP before starting any medicine while pregnant.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.