Allergy & immunology

Allergy & immune system: medicines & conditions

The immune system defends the body, but in allergy it over-reacts to harmless triggers. Allergy medicines damp down that reaction — from everyday antihistamines to emergency adrenaline for severe reactions.

Education and reference only. This hub explains which medicines relate to the allergy & immune system and why — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.

About the allergy & immune system

This group includes antihistamines for hay fever and itch, corticosteroids that reduce allergic inflammation, and adrenaline auto-injectors for anaphylaxis — the severe, rapidly-developing allergic reaction that is a medical emergency. The themes that matter most are knowing the difference between everyday allergy relief and emergency treatment, carrying and knowing how to use an adrenaline auto-injector if you are at risk, and always seeking urgent help after using it, even if you feel better.

What this covers

  • Hay fever and allergic rhinitis
  • Antihistamines and allergy relief
  • Severe allergy (anaphylaxis) and adrenaline
  • Immune-related inflammation

Conditions in this area

Allergy & immune system conditions (4)

Each links to a dose-free guide showing which medicine classes are used and how treatment is approached.

Allergy and immunology Angioedema Deeper swelling of areas such as the lips, tongue, face, throat, hands or gut wall, which can occur with hives or on its… Allergy and immunology Drug allergy An immune reaction to a medicine — most often a rash, itching or hives, but occasionally severe — where the key steps ar… Allergy and immunology Food allergy An immune reaction to a particular food — ranging from mild itching and hives to a life-threatening reaction — where the… Allergy and immunology Hay fever & allergic rhinitis An allergic reaction in the nose causing sneezing, itching, a runny or blocked nose and itchy eyes — managed by avoiding…

Medicine classes

Medicines for the allergy & immune system (3)

Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.

Antihistamines Allergy Relieve allergy symptoms; newer ones cause little drowsiness.… Mast-cell stabilisers Allergy Preventive treatments that calm allergic reactions in the eyes, nose, lungs and gut — used regularly, not for … Nasal corticosteroids Allergy The most effective treatment for persistent allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion.…

By active ingredient

Common allergy & immune system medicines by name

Individual, dose-free guides to specific active ingredients (and their brands) in this area:

AcrivastineA fast-acting, less-sedating antihistamine for hay fever and itchy allergic rashes; it wor…AlcaftadineAn antihistamine eye drop used to relieve itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies.…AlimemazineA sedating antihistamine used for itchy allergic skin conditions and, because it causes dr…AntazolineAn antihistamine used in eye drops, often with a decongestant, to relieve the itchy, red, …Azelastine (nasal/eye)A fast-acting antihistamine, used as a nasal spray for hay fever or as an eye drop for itc…BepotastineAn antihistamine eye drop used to relieve the itchy, red, watery eyes of allergic conjunct…BilastineA once-daily, non-drowsy antihistamine for hay fever and hives; it must be taken on an emp…BrompheniramineAn older, sedating antihistamine used for allergy symptoms and commonly found in cough and…BuclizineAn antihistamine used for nausea and vomiting, often included in a combination product tak…CarbinoxamineAn older sedating antihistamine used to ease allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezi…CetirizineA once-daily, less-sedating antihistamine for hay fever and hives — available over the cou…ChlorphenamineA sedating older antihistamine for allergies, hay fever and itchy rashes, also found in ma…ClemastineAn older, sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms and itching.…CyproheptadineAn older sedating antihistamine that also stimulates appetite and is sometimes used for al…DesloratadineA once-daily, less-sedating antihistamine for hay fever and hives; non-drowsy for most peo…DexbrompheniramineAn older, sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sn…DexchlorpheniramineA sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever, itching and r…DimenhydrinateAn older sedating antihistamine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and motion sick…DiphenhydramineAn older, sedating antihistamine that causes drowsiness — used in the UK mainly as a sleep…DoxylamineA sedating antihistamine used as a short-term sleep aid and, combined with pyridoxine, to …EmedastineAntihistamine eye drops used to relieve the itchy, watery, red eyes of allergic conjunctiv…EpinastineAntihistamine eye drops used to relieve and help prevent the itchy, watery eyes of allergi…FexofenadineA non-drowsy antihistamine used for hay fever and allergic rhinitis, relieving sneezing, a…FlunisolideA steroid nasal spray used to ease the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as a blocked, r…HydroxyzineA sedating antihistamine used to relieve itching and hives, and for short-term help with a…Ipratropium (nasal spray)A nasal spray for a constantly runny nose (rhinorrhoea), which dries up the watery dischar…KetotifenAn antihistamine with mast-cell-stabilising action, available as tablets for allergy and a…LevocetirizineA once-daily, less-sedating antihistamine for hay fever and hives; non-drowsy for most peo…LoratadineA non-drowsy, once-daily antihistamine for hay fever and itchy rashes, available over the …MeclozineA sedating antihistamine used to prevent and ease nausea, vomiting and travel sickness.…MepyramineAn antihistamine used mainly as a cream to ease the itch and irritation of insect bites an…MethdilazineAn older sedating antihistamine used to ease itching and allergy symptoms.…MizolastineA once-daily, low-drowsiness antihistamine for hay fever and itchy rashes.…MometasoneA steroid nasal spray that controls hay fever and other nasal allergy symptoms when used r…Mometasone (nasal spray)A steroid nasal spray for hay fever, persistent allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps that wo…NedocromilMast-cell-stabiliser eye drops used to relieve and prevent allergic conjunctivitis, the it…OlopatadineAn antihistamine eye drop that calms itchy, red, watery eyes caused by allergy.…PheniramineAn older, drowsy-type antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, snee…PromethazineA sedating older antihistamine used for allergies, short-term sleep problems, and nausea o…Promethazine teoclateA sedating antihistamine used for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.…RupatadineA once-daily, mostly non-drowsy antihistamine for hay fever and chronic hives.…Sodium cromoglicateA preventer eye drop for allergy that works best used regularly to stop itchy, watery eyes…TripelennamineAn older sedating antihistamine used to ease allergy symptoms and itching, which commonly …TriprolidineA sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, often found in cough and cold c…

Answers

Allergy & immune system: frequently asked questions

What medicines are used for the allergy & immune system?

This system includes 3 medicine classes — such as antihistamines, mast-cell stabilisers, nasal corticosteroids. Each links to a full, dose-free guide covering what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects and interactions.

Which conditions affect the allergy & immune system?

Common conditions in this area include Angioedema, Drug allergy, Food allergy, Hay fever & allergic rhinitis. Each condition page shows the medicine classes used to treat it and why.

Do these pages give doses?

No. Every page on this site is dose-free. We explain which medicines are used and why, but doses depend on the individual and the exact product — always confirm with your prescriber, the BNF and the product labelling.

Is this a substitute for medical advice?

No — it is education and reference only. It helps you understand this body system and its treatments, but decisions about your own care should always be made with a qualified clinician.

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