The best emergency allergy medicine is epinephrine. It is used to treat a sudden, severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is a hormone that helps to constrict blood vessels, open airways, and increase heart rate. This can help to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure.
Epinephrine is available in an auto-injector, such as an EpiPen or Auvi-Q. These devices are easy to use and can be administered by the person having the allergic reaction or someone else. If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, it is important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times.
While diphenhydramine, a commonly used antihistamine, can also be used to treat allergic reactions, it is not as effective as epinephrine for anaphylaxis.
Here are some additional tips for dealing with allergies:
- Talk to your doctor about your allergies and what you should do if you have an allergic reaction.
- Carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times if you are at risk of anaphylaxis.
- Know the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
- Call 911 immediately if you think someone is having an anaphylactic reaction.
