Arielle Fischer, features editor 

José Reyes, asst. features editor 

Spring allergies are in full swing. Every year, people suffer from symptoms like a stuffy nose, sore throat or itchy eyes in reaction to pollens and other airborne triggers. To relieve these symptoms, several allergy medications are available on the market. This week, the Carrier Instagram account conducted polls to see which allergy medication students prefer. Here are some of the most common allergy medications, some basic information about the dosage and student ratings on which medicine is most effective. 

Benadryl 4/5

• Diphenhydramine 

• Relative Cost: $0.42/unit (24ct) 

• Benadryl tablets are taken once every four to six hours. Available in tablet, liquid and chewable form, it relieves both indoor and outdoor allergies. Benadryl is fast-acting and safe in moderation for dogs with allergies. 

• Some possible side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation and dry mouth/ nose. 

• Significant Interactions: Benadryl has been recorded to have moderate reactions with a few common medications and vitamins, such as melatonin and Zyrtec (cetirizine). 

Allegra 3/5

• Fexofenadine 

• Relative Cost: $20 per 30ct. bottle 

• Allegra is taken once every 24 hours for adults and children 12 and older, it comes in both liquid and pill form. Allegra is not intended for children under 12 years old. it can relieve both indoor and outdoor allergies. 

• Some possible side effects include nausea, drowsiness, headache and muscle pain or discomfort. 

• Allegra warns not to use with apple, orange or grapefruit juice since the acidity makes the medicine harder to absorb, however no major drug interactions exist. 

Claritan 3/5

• Loratadine

• Relative Cost: $1.01/unit (30ct)

• Claritin is taken once every 24 hours for adults and children six and older. it comes in a variety of forms including liquid, chewable and tablet. Claritin is non-drowsy and relieves both indoor and outdoor allergies. 

• Some side effects of Claritin include headache, fatigue, nervousness, stomach pain and dry mouth.

• There are no significant drug interactions with Claritin, however those with renal/liver disease may experience a negative interaction with the active ingredient.

Xyzal 2/5

• Levocetirizine 

• Relative Cost: $0.53/unit (50ct) 

• Xyzal comes in breakable, scored tablets that can be split in half for a smaller dosage. The typical dose is one full tablet for children and adults ages 12 to 64. Xyzal is fast-acting and can be used for all indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms. 

• Common side effects for Xyzal include fatigue, weakness, sinus pressure and a sore or dry throat. 

• Xyzal has numerable moderate drug interactions including with Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Xanax (alprazolam), the company warns not to use with a renal impairment. 

Zyrtec 3/5

• Cetirizine 

• Relative Cost: $0.87/unit (30ct) 

• Zyrtec is meant to be taken by adults and children six and older via one 10mg tablet daily. A smaller dose is recommended to those with milder symptoms. Zyrtec is advertised to temporarily relieve most allergies. 

• Some possible side effects include fatigue, dry mouth, sore throat and nausea. 

• Zyrtec might have negative interactions with Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Lyrica (pregabalin). The company warns not to take with alcohol.