Our Guide to The Different Treatments for Allergies and Hay Fever

Content by

Chemist Click

Authored by

Abbas Kanani MRPharmS

Last Updated

08 July 2025

Table of Contents

What Does an Antihistamine do?
Two Types of Antihistamines:
What is the Best Allergy Treatment to use?
Speak to one of our Health Experts

Choosing the right medication to treat symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose caused by hay fever and allergies can be confusing.

It estimated that allergies affect up to 21 million people in the UK and 44% of British adults suffer from at least one allergy.

The best choice often depends on the specific symptoms you're experiencing and how severe they are. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available, ranging from over-the-counter antihistamines to natural remedies and prescription treatments.

This article offers guidance on the different allergy treatments so you can choose the best for your symptoms and lifestyle.

What Does an Antihistamine do?

Antihistamines block histamine receptors, which are released by the body during an allergic reaction. This helps stop the following symptoms from taking hold:

A runny nose
Itchy eyes
Sneezing
Nausea
Fatigue
Hives
Itchy skin

Two Types of Antihistamines:

1. First-Generation Antihistamine

This is an older class of antihistamine, developed before newer, second-generation versions.

They’re effective at blocking H1 histamine receptors, which helps reduce allergy symptoms; however, this medicine can cross the blood-brain barrier, which means it can leave you feeling drowsy and less alert.

Like with all antihistamines, side effects are possible. These include:

Dry mouth
Increased heart rate
Constipation
Trouble urinating
Dizziness
Blurry vision
Headaches
Mucous thickening
Lowered blood pressure

First-generation antihistamines work fast and are effective for short-term symptom relief. Aside from allergies, they’re also used for:

Motion sickness and nausea
Insomnia
Anxiety (in some cases)
Itching and skin reactions

If you need to stay alert, this may not be the best option as a daily antihistamine. They can also interact with alcohol and other sedatives.

2. Second-Generation Antihistamine

Second-generation antihistamines are a newer class of allergy medications designed to relieve symptoms without causing drowsiness. They are usually referred to as a non-drowsy antihistamine.

Just like first-generation antihistamines, they block H1 histamine receptors, but don’t easily cross the blood-brain barrier, making them ideal for daytime use.

They treat a range of allergies, including:

Hay fever
Hives
Food allergies
Dust mites
Tree pollen
Insect bites
Skin rashes
Reactions to medications

These antihistamines can be a good option for consistent and preventative management as they’re safe for treating chronic allergies.

Some of the reported side effects include:

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Coughing
Sore throat
Abdominal pain
Fatigue

Side effects are typically mild; however, some second-generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness.

If you also need to treat non-allergic symptoms, such as motion sickness or insomnia, a first-generation antihistamine may be better suited.

What is the Best Allergy Treatment to use?

Allergy problem	Suitable treatment	Reason
Unexpected allergy	Cetirizine Acrivastine (non-drowsy)	Works quickly.
Occasional allergy (under seven days, pet reaction)	Loratadine or Fexofenadine if you're around pets for a few days. Acrivastine (non-drowsy)	Works fast, but can take time to feel the full effects with some drowsiness possible.
Occasional allergy (over seven days)	Loratadine, Cetirizine or Fexofenadine	Easy to take and effective.
Chronic allergy (all-year-round)	Loratadine, Cetirizine or Fexofenadine Fexofenadine is less likely to cause drowsiness	Safe to take for chronic allergies.
Tried oral antihistamines without success	Nasal spray or eye drops in addition and/or A stronger antihistamine, such as Xyzal or Desloratadine	Likely you'll need a tailored allergy treatment plan, for example, taking a low-strength antihistamine tablet and adding nasal spray/eye drops, or taking a stronger antihistamine.
Seasonal or year-round allergy that does not respond, interrupting your day-to-day activities	Specialist allergy medication specific for the type of allergen (such as Grazax for grass pollen or Acarizax for dust mites) A skin prick test is required, and use can only be started by an allergy specialist or immunologist.	Immunotherapy treats the cause of the allergy, while traditional antihistamines treat the symptoms.

Speak to one of our Health Experts

Our experienced healthcare team and approved prescribers are here to help you take control of your hay fever and allergy symptoms.

Get expert advice on the most effective allergy treatments, tailored to your needs, all from the comfort of your home. With a simple online consultation and next-day delivery available on most medications, relief is just a few clicks away. Fast, discreet, and professional support when you need it most.

Sources

Allergy.org.uk (n.d). About Allergy. Retrieved 14th May 2025, from: https://www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/
Allergy.org.uk (n.d). Allergy Statistics and Figures. Retrieved 14th May 2025, from: https://www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/statistics-and-figures/

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.