Food Allergies

Medicine is used to treat some food allergies. Medicines to treat a severe allergic reaction or an anaphylactic reaction are packaged in a prescribed allergy kit.

For mild allergic reactions, people often try nonprescription medicines first. You can try prescription medicines if over-the-counter medicines fail to control allergy symptoms or if they cause drowsiness or other bothersome side effects.

Medication Choices

Medicines used to treat a severe allergic reaction include:

• Epinephrine. Epinephrine is given as a shot. It acts quickly to stop the further release of histamine and to relax the muscles that help you breathe.
• Antihistamines. Antihistamines block the action of histamine during an allergic reaction and help improve symptoms such as itching and sneezing.
• Corticosteroids. These medicines help reduce inflammation.

Medicines used to relieve mild food allergy symptoms include:

• Antihistamines and corticosteroids for hives, gastrointestinal symptoms, or sneezing and a runny nose.
• Bronchodilators for asthma symptoms. Bronchodilators relax the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.