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Best Hay Fever Tablets for Quick & Effective Relief

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Say goodbye to itchy eyes and irritated airways.
Allergic rhinitis is a common allergy which causes cold like symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion and itchy throat.
There is no cure, but hay fever symptoms are treatable thanks to the abundance of treatment options like these popular remedies, Cetirizine and Loratadine.
You can choose from various antihistamine tablets that work to stop symptoms caused by allergens such as pollens, dust mite and mould. If you’re planning on taking your medication during the day, opt for a non-drowsy option like Desloratadine 5mg Tablets or Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Tablets to combat symptoms of seasonal allergies.
This comprehensive article will offer you guidance on the best hay fever tablets for your symptoms and lifestyle, equipping you with a wealth of knowledge and confidence when it comes to choosing the right allergy medication for you and your family.

 

Hay Fever Tablet Facts

  • Cetrizine, Allevia and Loratadine are amongst the most popular and well-tolerated hay fever treatments on the market 
  • Boost performance by combining antihistamine treatments with lifestyle changes and topical treatments to maximise benefits  
  • Our clinical team will support you with choosing the correct allergy medicine based on your hay fever symptoms, lifestyle, and health status  

Our Pick of the Best Hay Fever Tablets

Our comprehensive guide on the best hay fever tablets will help remove any confusion when it comes to finding the best symptom relief for hay fever.

Non Drowsy Antihistamines 

Certirizine Tablets

Effective in targeting symptoms quickly, Cetirizine 10 mg is an affordable and powerful over-the-counter antihistamine treatment that blocks the effects of histamine, the chemical released by the immune system that causes the allergic reaction. It starts working within 20 - 60 minutes and offers up to 24 hours of relief from hay fever and allergy symptoms. It can also be taken two weeks before exposure if you have long-term allergies. It has the same active ingredient as more expensive brands such as Benadryl and Piriteze.  

Loratadine Tablets

This hay fever treatment is taken once daily, making it a convenient option when managing a busy day-to-day lifestyle. Loratadine is a non-drowsy allergy medicine that starts working in one to two hours and can be a good choice for allergy relief during the day. The most common loratadine side effects are experienced by about 10% of users and include headaches, sleep disturbances, and an increase in appetite.  

Strong Hay Fever Tablets for Severe Symptoms

Fexofenadine Tablets (120mg & 180mg)

You don't need to suffer if your hay fever or allergy symptoms are strong. Fexofenadine is a higher-strength antihistamine, which offers rapid allergy relief within one to two hours. It’s also a non-drowsy formula, which means you’ll be less likely to fall asleep after taking it. Fexofenadine 180mg is a prescription tablet, while the lower strength of 120mg is available to buy over the counter. 

Alternative Options for Hay Fever

If you are looking for alternative treatments, Allevia Tablets is an excellent option, particularly for people who are lactose intolerant, because it does not contain lactose. They’re available to buy over the counter and target unpleasant symptoms for up to 24 hours. Steroid sprays such as Beclometasone Nasal Spray and Beconase Nasal Spray can be used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergies too, and are especially effective in reducing nose congestion. It’s generally safe to use steroid nasal sprays whilst taking antihistamine tablets; however, you should always check with your GP or pharmacist before you begin any treatment.  

Which Hay Fever Tablet is Right for You?

The type, length, and severity of your symptoms will determine which hay fever tablet is right for you. You will also need to factor in your health status, lifestyle, and budget. If your symptoms are mainly nasal congestion, you may decide to choose a steroid nasal spray such as Avamys and Fluticasone, which reduces inflammation and irritation in the nose. For persistent sneezing and sore, itchy eyes, over-the-counter antihistamine treatments such as Desloratadine 5mg Tablets may be a better option. Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Tablets have a low side effect profile, making it a good alternative for people sensitive to side effects.  

Top Tips on How to Treat Hay Fever

Hay fever symptoms are usually worse when the pollen count is at its highest during the spring and summer months, typically between late March and September. Thankfully, there are simple and easy steps you can take to manage these at home. 

Lifestyle

Follow these quick and easy lifestyle changes, which can help to reduce unwanted hay fever symptoms: 

  • Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly around your nostrils, which helps to trap pollen and prevent it from entering your body.
  • Remove all clothing and have a shower after being outside. This helps to remove any pollen that may have stayed on your clothing or skin.
  • Smoking can worsen your symptoms, so avoid this if you suffer from hay fever. 

Environment

It’s important to keep your environment clean to minimise your chance of encountering pollen. You should vacuum regularly and dust your home with a damp cloth to stop allergens from travelling around the house. Avoid cutting and walking on grass, and try to limit your time spent outdoors. 

Complementary Treatments

Various complementary treatments can give you the best possible chance of reducing your hay fever symptoms. Taking a holistic approach by combining lifestyle changes with nasal sprays and antihistamine treatments will help set you up with the best possible defense against pollen and allergens. Cetirizine 10 mg tablets are a fast-acting, affordable option that is well-tolerated by most people. If you do not want to take tablets, Fluticasone Nasal Spray is available in two strengths and not only reduces nose inflammation, but also eases symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and nasal congestion.

Treat Hay Fever Symptoms with Chemist Click

Hay fever symptoms can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, sometimes impacting everyday tasks and activities. Here at Chemist Click, we have a wide range of hay fever treatment options available to suit your needs. You can rest assured that we are a trusted pharmacy with a team of expert pharmacists on hand to help you make the right choice when buying hay fever medications online. You can read our allergy tablet reviews to see what success our customers have had using our hay fever treatments. 

FAQs

Can you take more than one antihistamine a day?

No, you must not take two antihistamines together unless directed by your doctor. This could lead to harmful side effects and increase your risk of overdose.

Can you take Cetirizine and Loratadine together?

Both medications are antihistamines; therefore, you should not take them together without medical approval. 

What is the strongest antihistamine?

Fexofenadine 180mg is the strongest antihistamine and is only available on prescription. It treats itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, as well as hives and allergy symptoms. It is usually recommended for hives, or itchy skin lasting 6 weeks or more.  


Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

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