Get your doctor's advice

Work with your doctor to choose the most effective allergy medications and avoid problems. Even over-the-counter allergy medications have side effects, and some allergy medications can cause problems when combined with other medications.

It's especially important to talk to your doctor about taking allergy medications in the following circumstances:

• You're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis or high blood pressure.
• You're taking other medications, including herbal supplements.
• You're treating allergies in a child. Children need different doses of medication or different medications from adults.
• You're treating allergies in an older adult. Some allergy medications can cause confusion, urinary tract symptoms or other side effects in older adults.
• You're already taking an allergy medication that isn't working. Bring the medication with you in its original bottle or package when you see your doctor.

Keep track of your symptoms, when you use your medications and how much you use. This will help your doctor figure out what works best. You might need to try a few medications to determine which are most effective and have the least bothersome side effects for you.