Types of Drugs	Generic or Chemical Names	Trade Names	Types of Allergy Treated	Most Common Side Effect
Antihistamines	akylamine* (most commonly prescribed)	Actidil, Dimetane Extentabs, Polaramine, Polaramine Repetabs, Triten, Triten Tab-In	Hives (urticaria), contact dermatitis, eczema, hay fever (allergic rhinitis),	Drowsiness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dry mouth
	athanolamine	Ambodryl, Benadryl, Clistin, Decapryn, Diafen, Dramamine, Hispril, SK-Diphenhydramine, Tavist	gastrointestinal allergy
	ethylenediamine*	Nivasal, PBZ, PBZ-SR
	phenothiazines	Phenergan, Tacaryl, Temaril
	piperazines	Bonine, Merezine
	miscellneous	Atarax, Optimime, Periactin, Vistaril
Bischromones	cromolyn sodium	Intal, Lomudal	Asthma (allergic and exercise induced), gastrointestinal allergy	Throat irritation, hoarseness, coughing, wheezing. Safety during pregnancy not yet determined
Bronchodilators	1. Adrenergic agonists		Asthma, hives (occasionally)	Fear, anxiety, tenseness, restlessness, headache, weakness, dizziness, pallor, accentuated heartbeat, nausea, insomnia, tremor
	albuterol	Proventil, Ventolin
	pehedrine	Ephedrine USP
	epinephrine	Adrenalin Chloride, Bronkaid Mist, Bronkophrine, Primatene M, Primatene Mist, Primatene P, Sus-Phrine
	isoetharine	Bronkometer, Bronkosol
	isoproterenol	Aerolone, Duo-Medihaler, Isuprel, Norisodrine
	metaproterenol	Aluprent, Metaprel
	protokylol	Ventaire
	terbutaline	Brethine Bricanyl
	2. Methylxanthines		Asthma	Irritation of stomach or intestines, nausea, abdominal cramps, heartburn, exacerbation of ulcers, temporary sleeplessness, nervousness
	aminophylline	Aminophyllin, Aminophylline, Phyllocontin
	oxtriphylline	Choledyl
	theophylline	Bronkodyl, Bronkodyl S-R
Corticosteroids	1. Aerosol		Hay fever, nasal polyps, asthma	Dry mouth, hoarseness, fungal infections of mouth and throat
	beclomethasone dipropionate	Beclovent		Rinse mouth thoroughly with water after each use
	dexamethasone	Decadron Phospate Respihaler, Decadron Phospate, Turbinaire
	2. Systemic		All allergies, especially acute, chronic asthma; acute hives; drug reactions	Water retention, weight gain, susceptibility to bruising, stretch marks, more body hair, insomnia, uneasiness, leg cramps, "moon face." (most minor side effects likely more long term use at high doses). Suppression of adrenal hormones
	betamethasone	Celestone
	cortisone	Cortisone acetate
	dexamathesone	Decadron
	hydrocortisone	Many trade names
	methylprednisolone	Medrol, Methylprednisolone
	paramethasone	Haldrone
	triamcinolone	Aristocort
	3. Topical (creams, gels, ointments)	Variety of trade names	Rashes (especially eczema and contact dermatitis)	Burning sensations, irritation, itching, dryness, inflammation of hair follicles, acne, loss of pigmentation, thinning of skin, stretch marks, tendency of bruise easily, skin ulcers (Side effects depend on potency, concentration and duration of use) Contact dermatitis can result when cream, gel or ointment contains preservatives
	betamethasone
	desonide
	desoximetasone
	dexamathasone
	flumethasone
	fluocinolone acetonide
	flurandrenolide
	halcinonide
	hydrocortisone
	prednisolone
	triamcinolone acetonide
Decongestants	naphazoline	Privine	Hay fever, gastrointestinal allergy	Nervousness, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat Do not use nasal decongestants for more than 5 days. May prolong symptoms
	oxymetazoline	Afrin
	phenylephrine	Neo-Synephrine
	pseudoephredrine hydrochloride	Novafed, Sudafed
	tetrahydrozoline	Tyzine
	zymetazone	Otrivin
Expectorants	iodides	Organidin, Potassium Iodide USP	Asthma	Nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea; unpleasant brassy taste and burning sensation in mouth and throat; sore teeth and gums; increased salivation
	quaifenesin	Glycotuss, Robitussin, 2/G	Asthma	none

Source: Adapted from The Allergy Encyclopedia, by Craig T. Norbeck and Raymond G. Slavin (New York: New American Library, 1981). Physicians' Desk Reference (Oradell, N.J. Medical Economics Co. 1982).

* Found in many over the counter remedies for colds, hay fever and headaches.