Guide
Medicines for allergy
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-20 · How we create our content
Allergic reactions (hay fever, hives, reactions to bites) often respond to antihistamines. Modern antihistamines generally cause less drowsiness. Below are the most commonly used active ingredients; choose one to see products and prices. In pregnancy, breastfeeding and children, the choice of antihistamine depends on the specific preparation.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Antihistamines
Cetirizine, loratadine and desloratadine are among the antihistamines commonly used to relieve itching, sneezing and a runny nose. They are usually taken once daily — follow the directions on the pack. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness in individual patients.
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency help at any sign of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips/tongue, dizziness, turning blue, a drop in blood pressure or loss of consciousness — anaphylaxis). Consult a doctor for persistent symptoms, in children, in pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.
Commonly used active ingredients
Pick an ingredient to see products and prices.
Related categories
Products with current prices
Lowest prices from online pharmacies in this guide's categories — cheapest first.
ТАПИ ЗА УШИ 3М ЧИФТ
ТАПИ
БАКТИГРАС ЛЕПЕНКА 5 СМ./5 СМ . Х 10
SMITH & NEPHEW
МАСКИ ТРИСЛОЙНИ ПРЕДПАЗНИ Х 1
МАСКИ
TEO BEBE САПУН С МАСЛА МЛЯКО 75Г
TEO · 75Г
НЕОПЛАСТ-ЛЕПЕНКИ NEOFILM 6/7 СТЕРИЛНА
НЕОПЛАСТ-ЛЕПЕНКИ
САПУН ХУМА САПУН НИЯ НЕВЕН 70 ГР
НИЯ-МИЛВА ЕООД · 70 ГР
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cetirizine, loratadine and desloratadine?
All three are modern second-generation antihistamines that work in a similar way, but in individual people one may work better or cause less drowsiness than another. Cetirizine has a slightly higher chance of mild drowsiness than loratadine and desloratadine in some patients. If one preparation does not help enough, consult a pharmacist before trying another.
Do these antihistamines cause drowsiness?
Second-generation antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine) cause drowsiness less often than older agents, but some people may still feel mild tiredness, especially when starting treatment. If you notice this, avoid driving and operating machinery until you know how you react to the particular product.
Can I take an antihistamine every day through the allergy season?
Modern antihistamines are usually suitable for daily use throughout the period of exposure to the allergen (for example the pollen season), but prolonged or unusual use is best discussed with a doctor or pharmacist - especially if symptoms are not responding well.
When is an antihistamine not enough and a doctor is needed?
See a doctor if symptoms do not respond to an antihistamine, return despite treatment, affect sleep or daily life, or if signs of a more severe reaction appear (swelling, difficulty breathing). If anaphylaxis is suspected (rapidly developing swelling of the lips or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness), emergency help is needed, not an antihistamine.
Are these antihistamines suitable for children and in pregnancy?
Some antihistamines have paediatric forms and doses, and suitability in pregnancy and breastfeeding depends on the particular preparation and the stage. Check the leaflet for the age limits of the specific product and consult a doctor or pharmacist for children, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.