Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 10:39:06 EDT

From:

What's New in Allergy Medications

by Karen Baar

The standard medications for allergies have always had their drawbacks. In the last few years, though, drug manufacturers have introduced a new generation of allergy drugs largely free of the annoying side effects common to traditional remedies.

Antihistamines.The new "nonsedating" antihistamines such as Allegra, Claritin, Hismanal or Zyrtec are as effective as other antihistamines without causing sleepiness, loss of alertness, dry mouth, or trouble with coordination. And just one dose may last up to 24 hours. Still, if older antihistamines work well for you, there's no reason to switch to a newer drug. The new antihistamines are generally more expensive than older antihistamines, and they're available only with a prescription. That restriction presumably ensures that doctors are watching to be sure patients use these drugs properly. A similar medicine, called Seldane, was taken off the market because it posed severe health risks when people combined it with certain other medicines.

Corticosteroids.New prescription corticosteroid nasal sprays include Flonase, Nasacort, Nasarel, Rhinocort, and Vancenase DS. Although they are more potent than older nasal sprays, there's no reason to switch if an older nasal spray works well for you.

Anti-leukotriene drugs. Asthma patients may find some benefit from this new class of medications. Several, such as Zyflo and Accolate, have recently become available, and more are on the way. Their role in the treatment of allergies, however, remains uncertain.

Allergy shots. The way allergy shots are given has not changed for many years, but researchers are now testing new approaches. Some of these new immunological treatments should be available within a few years.

If you are unsure about which medication new, old, prescription or nonprescription talk to your doctor. The two of you can discuss your options and make the best choice for you.