Sneezing and mild coughing Watery, itchy, and red eyes A runny nose Itching or redness on the skin; often this will progress into hives. Hives are red, itchy swollen areas on the skin - they can vary in size from small bumps to large welts measuring several inches (centimeters) in diameter.
Benadryl. [4] X Research source This is most often recommended for reactions involving hives because it works fast. It can be taken with or without food and you should drink a full glass of water with each dose. Do not exceed 300mg within a 24-hour period or you risk overdose. Note that Benadryl usually causes drowsiness, so use caution if driving or operating machinery. If you experience drowsiness, stop these activities. [5] X Research source Claritin. This is typically used to treat seasonal allergies and hay fever, though it can be effective against hives. It can be taken with or without food. It usually does not cause drowsiness, but it is still a possible side effect, so monitor your condition before driving or operating machinery. Typically Claritin should only be taken once a day. [6] X Research source Zyrtec. Typical dosage is 5-10mg per day, with or without food. A potential side effect is confusion or impaired alertness, so use caution if driving while on Zyrtec. [7] X Research source Allegra. This usually has to be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. You should also only drink water when taking Allegra, as fruit juices can interact with the drug. Like other antihistamines, it can cause drowsiness. [8] X Research source There are also prescription-strength versions of these medications. Talk with your doctor about which medication would be best for you. Some people have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, so you’ll want to make sure the medication is safe for you to take.
There are also prescription-strength varieties of hydrocortisone cream. If an OTC cream doesn’t soothe your symptoms, ask your doctor about getting a prescription for a stronger dose. You can also apply a cold towel to hives if you don’t have access to hydrocortisone cream.
If you have multiple helpers at the scene, have someone else call emergency services while you treat for possible anaphylaxis, as described below. If not, and you see signs of a serious symptoms (see below), don’t delay treatment. [14] X Research source
Serious symptoms include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, drop in blood pressure, weak pulse, trouble swallowing, chest pains, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Take the EpiPen and hold it in the middle tightly with the orange tip pointing down. Remove the safety cap on top, which is usually blue. Place the orange tip against your outer thigh. You don’t have to remove your pants, the needle will pierce your clothes. Firmly press the orange tip against your leg. This will release a needle that injects the dose of epinephrine. Hold the injector in place for 10 seconds to ensure that the full dose enters your body. Remove the EpiPen and keep it with you so medical staff will know how large of a dose you received. Massage the injection site for 10 seconds to circulate the medication. If your EpiPen is expired, you can still use it. The potency may be reduced significantly.
After you administer the epinephrine, you still need to seek medical help. The epinephrine will wear off after 10 to 20 minutes, and the allergic reaction can start again. Either go to the emergency room or call 911 to get further medical assistance.
