THE BEST SEASONAL ALLERGY MEDS

CLARITIN
12-Hour RediTabs

What it treats: Itchy/runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat

Active ingredient: Loratadine

How it works: Allergens such as pollen and ragweed activate the release of inflammatory chemicals called histamines into your nasal secretion, triggering itchy, runny nose and eyes, says Douglas Dawson, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.

Claritin is an antihistamine that wedges itself between allergens and receptors in your nose so there's no outpouring of chemicals in the first place, says Vibhuti Arya, Pharm.D., an assistant clinical professor at St. John's University's College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.

 

Although it's best to start taking antihistamines before you start suffering from symptoms, it's not always possible. Regular Claritin can take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in, but the dissolving RediTabs can shave up to half an hour off the wait time, says Bethanne Brown, Pharm.D., assistant professor at the Wrinkle College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati.

 

Why it's good: Claritin will last all day without making you too lethargic to tackle your to-do list. In a 2008 study published in Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, researchers found that loratadine caused virtually little to no drowsiness compared with the active ingredients in Zyrtec and Benedryl.

Side effects: Although Claritin is virtually nondrowsy, it's possible that you'll feel a little more tired while you're taking it. Since the antihistamine acts on your central nervous system, it's normal to get a headache as well, says Arya. Also, some people may complain of a dry mouth, she adds, so sucking on hard candy or a mint will help produce saliva. Finally, talk to your pharmacist if you're taking any other medications or even herbal supplements; mixing Claritin with St.-John's-wort, for example, will reduce the power of the antihistamine.

It's very rare, but in some older patients, antihistamines may cause glaucoma, so consult your doc if you feel pressure in your eyes.