Looking for a solution to hives? Hives allergy medications can help eliminate hives due to food reactions, medicine, and other allergens. Characterized as swollen, pale red bumps, hives of varying size can pop up suddenly and without warning as the body becomes exposed to allergens. Often hives tend to be itchy, but they can also cause stinging or burning sensations. Worst of all they can occur anywhere on the body and can last hours. If you experience hives due to an allergic reaction, know that there is something that can be done to eliminate and prevent them, so you don’t have to deal with the unpleasant effects. Read on to learn about the most effective hives allergy medications available.
Hives Allergy Medications
- Benadryl
- Clarinex
- Epipen
Benadryl
Benadryl is one of the most common over the counter antihistamines that can provide you with relief from hives or other allergy symptoms. Antihistamines like Benadryl block histamines, or rather chemicals in the body that produce allergy symptoms when the body becomes exposed to allergens. Benadryl is commonly used for less severe symptoms like watery eyes and running nose, but it can also provide relief from mild cases of hives, reducing itching and the number of hives. To prevent symptoms from occurring again, you should take Benadryl regularly with or without food. In the form of a capsule, tablet, and liquid syrup, you can take Benadryl in a variety of ways. The most common side effect of this medication is drowsiness, and for that reason, it should be taken before bed.
Highlights:
- For less severe hives
- Take regularly to prevent hives
- Causes drowsiness
Clarinex
Clarinex is another antihistamine medication that is only available by prescription. It is, even more, better at battling hives by blocking histamine more effectively. It can even treat those with chronic hives who are looking for a long-term solution. Clarinex comes in the form of a tablet that is dissolved on the tongue. After swallowing the liquidized tablet, the effects should start kicking in soon. An orange-colored oral solution is available as well. Regardless of which form you take, this medication can be taken with or without food. Side effects can include nausea, stomach ache, fatigue and dry mouth. These side effects, however, usually do not persist, but if they do, remember that the doctor has prescribed the medication because its benefits outweigh the risks.
Highlights:
- Available as tablet or oral solution
- Can treat chronic hives
- May cause nausea
Epipen
For quick relief of severe hives, the Epipen is the best solution. Also known as Epinephrine, the Epipen treats severe allergic reactions to all sorts of allergens, effectively reversing hives, restoring a healthy blood pressure, stimulating the heart and reducing swelling. The Epipen injector can provide rapid relief of symptoms but the effects are not long-term, so you should consult a healthcare professional right away after using it. Side effects of the medication include anxiety, sweating, nausea, difficulty breathing and headache. These side effects should not last long, however, and if they do, please consult a doctor.
Highlights:
- Fast-acting relief of hives
- Does not work for long-term relief
- Long list of potential side effects
Conclusion
Don’t ignore hives, waiting hours for them to go away, and sometimes even days. With the best hives allergy medications, you can find relief. Talk to your doctor today.