Best OTC antihistamines for seasonal allergies?

Buy store-brand or generic versions of cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine instead of name brands. They contain identical active ingredients at the same dose.

Add pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, sold behind the pharmacy counter) for nasal congestion that antihistamines alone cannot relieve. Take 30-60mg every 4-6 hours as needed.

Use a daily oral antihistamine (cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine) plus a daily nasal corticosteroid spray (fluticasone or triamcinolone) for moderate-to-severe symptoms.

If your current antihistamine feels less effective after prolonged use, switch to a different one for a few weeks, then switch back.

Do not use diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine, or other first-generation antihistamines as your daily allergy medication. Reserve them only for acute allergic reactions.

Begin taking your chosen daily antihistamine 1-2 weeks before your allergy season typically starts. Check local pollen forecasts to time the start.

Spray azelastine 0.15% (Astepro Allergy) into each nostril twice daily. It works in as little as 15 minutes — faster than any oral antihistamine.

Take one fexofenadine 180mg tablet daily. It is truly non-sedating — the only OTC antihistamine with zero measurable drowsiness at any dose.

Take one loratadine 10mg tablet daily. It is the least sedating OTC antihistamine, making it ideal for daytime use when alertness matters.

Take one cetirizine 10mg tablet daily, morning or evening. It begins working within 1 hour and lasts 24 hours. Available as tablets, liquid gels, and liquid for children.