Antihistamines can relieve itching or hives after exposure to an allergy-causing food, but they will not stop a severe allergic reaction (see the Tables below: First Generation [Sedating] Antihistamines and Second-generation [Non-Sedating] Antihistamines)
Prednisone–a course is usually needed to calm allergy symptoms
Albuterol (ProAir HFA) may be needed to open up the airways, especially if the person also has asthma
Epinephrine (Adrenaclick, Auvi-Q, EpiPen) is needed for a severe allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing, fainting, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or loss of blood pressure. A second injection of epinephrine may be needed within 20 minutes.
Historically, after epinephrine use, immediately calling emergency services or visiting ED was recommended, however, the 2023 Anaphylaxis Practice Parameters say emergency treatment may not be required for those who experience prompt, complete and long-lasting response to treatment with epinephrine AND who have additional epinephrine at home AND medical care is readily available, and easily accessed, if needed.
Xolair (omalizumab) may also be used to reduce the risk of allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) in adults and children aged 1 year and older with Ig-E-mediated food allergies. Xolair works by reducing the release of inflammatory substances that cause allergy symptoms, thereby decreasing allergic responses in the body.
Palforzia [peanut allergen extract] may be used to reduce the severity of an allergic reaction when a person is accidentally exposed to peanuts. The dose is slowly built up over several months. Palforzia will not treat an allergic reaction.
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity
Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx
Prescription only.
OTC
Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label
This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access
Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X
Interacts with Alcohol.
Further information
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