Farmington Drugs

Best Allergy Medications in 2025: What Works for Each Type

Best Allergy Medications in 2025: What Works for Each Type

Dealing with allergies can be frustrating, especially when symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, or nasal congestion interfere with your daily life. The good news is that there are many effective allergy medications available today.

At Farmington Drugs, our pharmacists often help patients choose the right allergy treatment based on their specific symptoms and allergy type. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common allergy medications in 2025 and help you understand what works best for you.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies happen when your immune system reacts to something that’s normally harmless, like pollen, dust, pet dander, or certain foods. Your body releases chemicals like histamine, which lead to common allergy symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

  • Sneezing

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • Skin rashes

  • Cough or sore throat

Types of Allergy Medications

Different types of medications target different allergy symptoms. Knowing the difference can help you get fast and effective relief.

1. Antihistamines

Best for: Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, hives

Antihistamines block histamine, the chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction.

Popular options in 2025 include:

  • Loratadine (Claritin) — Non-drowsy

  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec) — May cause mild drowsiness

  • Fexofenadine (Allegra) — Non-drowsy, long-lasting

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) — Works fast but often causes drowsiness

Tip from Farmington Drugs: Newer antihistamines like Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec are often better for daytime use because they are less likely to make you sleepy.

2. Nasal Sprays

Best for: Stuffy nose, nasal congestion, sinus pressure

Nasal sprays help reduce inflammation in your nasal passages.

Types of nasal sprays:

  • Steroid Sprays (Flonase, Nasacort) — Reduce inflammation for long-term relief

  • Antihistamine Sprays (Astelin) — Fast relief for sneezing and runny nose

  • Decongestant Sprays (Afrin) — Quick relief for congestion (limit use to 3 days)

Important: Overusing decongestant sprays can lead to rebound congestion.

3. Decongestants

Best for: Nasal congestion, sinus pressure

Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages.

Common options include:

  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) — Available behind the pharmacy counter

  • Phenylephrine — Found in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines

Note: Decongestants may raise blood pressure and are not recommended for everyone. Always ask your pharmacist before using.

4. Eye Drops

Best for: Itchy, red, or watery eyes caused by allergies

Options include:

  • Antihistamine eye drops (Zaditor, Pataday)

  • Lubricating eye drops (Artificial Tears)

Eye drops provide targeted relief for eye allergy symptoms and are often fast-acting.

5. Allergy Shots or Immunotherapy

Best for: Severe or year-round allergies

Allergy shots are given by a doctor to help your body build tolerance to allergens over time. This is often recommended for:

  • Pet allergies

  • Pollen allergies

  • Dust mite allergies

Farmington Drugs Tip: Talk to your allergist if over-the-counter options aren’t enough.

Choosing the Right Allergy Medication for You

Your symptoms and health conditions help determine the best treatment.

For Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever)

  • Antihistamines (Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec)

  • Nasal steroid sprays (Flonase, Nasacort)

For Nasal Congestion

  • Decongestants (Sudafed)

  • Decongestant nasal spray (Afrin, short-term only)

  • Nasal steroid sprays

For Itchy Eyes

  • Antihistamine eye drops

  • Oral antihistamines

For Year-Round Allergies

  • Nasal steroid sprays daily

  • Allergy shots (long-term option)

  • Antihistamines as needed

When to Talk to Your Pharmacist

Always consult with your pharmacist at Farmington Drugs if:

  • You’re unsure which allergy medication to choose

  • You take other medications and want to avoid interactions

  • You have health conditions like high blood pressure, glaucoma, or pregnancy

  • Your symptoms are severe or not improving

Our pharmacists are always ready to answer your questions and help you find safe and effective options.

Final Thoughts

Allergies can affect your quality of life, but the right allergy medications can make a big difference. From antihistamines to nasal sprays and beyond, there are many trusted treatments available in 2025.

Stop by Farmington Drugs today to speak with our friendly pharmacists. We’ll help you choose the best allergy medication based on your symptoms and health needs — so you can breathe easier and feel better.