The 22 best allergy medicine brands
BENADRYL, Claritin and Zyrtec lead our ranking of 22 allergy medicine brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Allergy Medicine brands, ranked
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1
BENADRYL
Diphenhydramine tablets and gels that are sedating, so better suited to bedtime than daytime use.
Top products: Ultratab· Liqui Gels
Website: benadryl.com |Brands like BENADRYL
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Claritin
Loratadine tablets that are non-drowsy for 24 hours, with a children's chewable version for smaller kids.
Top products: Claritin Children's Allergy Medicine
Website: claritin.com |Brands like Claritin
Popularity 8.7/10
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3
Zyrtec
Cetirizine tablets, with children's syrup and chewables, for 24-hour relief from hay fever and itchy skin.
Top products: 24 Hour Allergy Relief Tablets· Allergy Dissolve Tabs
Website: zyrtecprofessional.com |Brands like Zyrtec
Popularity 4.7/10
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4
Kirkland Signature
Store-label diphenhydramine sold in very large bulk packs, a cheaper match for Benadryl-style tablets.
Top products: Allergy Relief Medicine 25mg
Brands like Kirkland Signature
Popularity 4.0/10
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5
XYZAL
Levocetirizine tablets, a prescription-strength non-drowsy option that works for a full day.
Top products: Xyzal 24 Hour Allergy Relief Medicine
Website: xyzal.com |Brands like XYZAL
Popularity 3.7/10
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6
NeilMed
Saline nasal rinse sachets and squeeze bottles for flushing sinuses, plus ear and baby care lines.
Website: neilmed.com |Brands like NeilMed
Popularity 3.3/10
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7
Boiron
Homeopathic remedies diluted to very low strengths, with Oscillococcinum a long-running flu-season product.
Website: boironusa.com |Brands like Boiron
Popularity 2.7/10
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8
Vicks
Decongestant nasal sprays and cold remedies, with VapoCOOL menthol spray for stuffy noses.
Top products: Sinex SEVERE Nasal Spray
Website: vicks.com |Brands like Vicks
Popularity 2.7/10
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9
FLONASE
Fluticasone nasal sprays for seasonal allergy symptoms, with the Sensimist spray as a fine mist option.
Top products: Sensimist Allergy Relief Spray
Website: flonase.com |Brands like FLONASE
Popularity 2.5/10
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10
Mucinex
Guaifenesin tablets that loosen chest mucus, plus combination cold and sinus formulas.
Website: mucinex.com |Brands like Mucinex
Popularity 2.5/10
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11
GoodSense
Budget store-brand antihistamines, sold in large counts at a lower price than name brands.
Top products: Allergy Relief Antihistamine Tablets
Website: goodsense.com |Brands like GoodSense
Popularity 2.1/10
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12
Reactine
Two strengths: extra-strength for itchy eyes and skin, regular for runny nose and throat.
Top products: Extra Strength 24 Hour Allergy Relief
Website: reactine.ca |Brands like Reactine
Popularity 1.7/10
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13
Advil
Ibuprofen-based sinus combination that eases pressure and pain, rather than treating the allergy itself.
Top products: Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain
Website: advil.com |Brands like Advil
Popularity 1.7/10
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14
Allegra
Fexofenadine tablets that are non-drowsy and last 24 hours, with less sedating effect than older antihistamines.
Website: allegra.com |Brands like Allegra
Popularity 1.7/10
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15
Xlear
People looking for xylitol-based care for the nose, teeth and mouth can find Xlear's nasal sprays, toothpaste and sugar free gum. The brand's Xlear, Spry and Xylo lines each target a different part of daily oral and sinus care.
Website: xlear.com |Brands like Xlear
Popularity 1.7/10
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16
Nasacort
Nasacort nasal spray relieves congestion from allergic rhinitis and is made without fragrance or alcohol. It is sold for adults and children. The spray is designed to act quickly against allergy symptoms without causing a heavy, sluggish feeling.
Website: nasacort.com |Brands like Nasacort
Popularity 1.6/10
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17
Johnson & Johnson
Doc Johnson has celebrated over 45 years as the leading player in the adult novelty industry. Rather than spreading its wings and flying abroad, the brand has decided to grow its even roots further and stick to its Californian heritage....
Website: docjohnson.com |Brands like Johnson & Johnson
Popularity 1.6/10
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18
Major Pharmaceuticals
Major pharmaceuticals are one of the leading suppliers of multisource generic Rx and OTC products in the market. Patient care matters the most to them, and they aim to keep advancing the care step by step—strategic Solutions for the customers...
Brands like Major Pharmaceuticals
Popularity 1.6/10
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19
Perrigo
Perrigo offers personal care products. The company believes in providing high-quality items that give your skin and you time to rejuvenate. The Acne Spot Patches help you tackle stubborn pimples and breakouts without being visible to others. The Classic 100%...
Website: perrigodirect.com |Brands like Perrigo
Popularity 1.4/10
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20
Schwabe
The Healthcare system has come a long way since the early period. The amounts of discoveries and inventions have significantly changed the treatment of what one's considered incurable diseases or conditions. Schwabe Pharma offers you a range of natural products...
Website: schwabepharma.co.uk |Brands like Schwabe
Popularity 1.4/10
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21
SUDAFED
Health undoubtedly should be prioritized over anything, following the same SUDAFED works on providing health care services through their products primarily focusing on sinus and head conjugation. For head congestion, the medicine provided temporarily relieves the head and nasal and...
Website: sudafed.com |Brands like SUDAFED
Popularity 1.4/10
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22
Afrin
Adults and children with a blocked nose can use Afrin, an oxymetazoline nasal spray that works within minutes. It is designed for short-term relief of nasal congestion and sinus pressure. Each spray delivers a fine mist into the nostril, and...
Website: afrin.com |Brands like Afrin
Popularity 0.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENADRYL | benadryl.com | /benadryl | – | @benadryl | BenadrylOfficial |
| Claritin | claritin.com | – | – | – | – |
| Zyrtec | zyrtecprofessional.com | – | – | – | – |
| XYZAL | xyzal.com | /Xyzal | xyzal | @XyzalAllergy | XYZAL Allergy 24HR |
| NeilMed | neilmed.com | /sinusrinse | neilmed | @neilmed | Neilmed1 |
| Boiron | boironusa.com | /BoironUSA | boironusa | @boironusa | BoironUSA |
| Vicks | vicks.com | – | – | – | – |
| FLONASE | flonase.com | /flonase | flonase | @flonase | flonase |
| Mucinex | mucinex.com | /mucinex | mucinex_us/ | @mucinex | featured |
Allergy Medicine Buying Guide
Spring is the season many of us look forward to after a long, cold winter. However, for those with allergies, spring can mean lots of sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy throats. Thankfully, there are many types of allergy medicine available that can help relieve symptoms. Here are some things to consider when looking for the right allergy medicine for you:
Types of Allergy Medicine
There are several types of allergy medicine available, including:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Corticosteroids
- Mast cell stabilizers
- Leukotriene modifiers
Antihistamines
Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical in the body that causes symptoms such as sneezing and itching. There are two types of antihistamines: older, first-generation antihistamines and newer, second-generation antihistamines.
First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause drowsiness and other side effects. Second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are less likely to cause drowsiness and are more commonly used for allergies.
Decongestants
Decongestants help relieve nasal congestion. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion. Decongestants can be taken orally or used as a nasal spray. Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and insomnia. Nasal decongestants, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin), can cause rebound congestion if used for more than a few days.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages. They can be taken as a pill or used as a nasal spray. Nasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex), are more commonly used for allergies. They are usually well-tolerated and can take a few days to start working.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers help prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. They are used as nasal sprays or eye drops. Cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom) is an example of a mast cell stabilizer.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work by blocking the effects of leukotrienes, chemicals that cause inflammation in the body. They are usually taken as a pill. Montelukast (Singulair) is an example of a leukotriene modifier.
Considerations
When choosing an allergy medicine, there are several factors to consider:
Symptoms
Consider which symptoms you are experiencing. If you are experiencing nasal congestion, a decongestant or nasal corticosteroid may be the best choice. If you are experiencing sneezing and itching, an antihistamine may be more effective. If you have both nasal congestion and sneezing/itching, a combination of a decongestant and antihistamine may be necessary.
Sleepiness
If you need to stay alert during the day, consider a second-generation antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines can cause sleepiness and other side effects.
Side Effects
Consider the potential side effects of the medication. Decongestants can cause increased heart rate and insomnia. Corticosteroids can cause nasal dryness or nosebleeds. Antihistamines can cause dry mouth, drowsiness or dizziness.
Duration of Symptoms
Consider how long your allergy symptoms last. If you have symptoms year-round, a nasal corticosteroid may be the best choice, as it can be used long-term. If you have symptoms for a short period of time, a decongestant or antihistamine may be enough.
Other Medications
Consider other medications you are taking. Some allergy medications can interact with other medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new medication.
Conclusion
Choosing the right allergy medication can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Consider the type of medication, symptoms, sleepiness, potential side effects, duration of symptoms, and other medications when choosing an allergy medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about allergy medication.
