If you have allergies, it’s likely that you develop hives at the turn of the seasons. That’s because allergens like pollen increase in the environment when seasons shift. Among all allergic symptoms, hives has to be the most problematic. Covering your body in itchy, raised patches of skin, hives can even develop inside your throat and under your eyelids.
Fortunately, resolving hives can be as easy as taking in the right medicine for it. Although, you might find yourself asking – what exactly is the best antihistamine for hives? With so many options, it can be tough to choose. Make sure to get the best relief for your hives and end those itchy spots fast by using this buying guide to land the right choice.
Top 10 Antihistamines for Hives Chart
| Picture | Name | Active Ingredient | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Allegra Adult 24 Hour Allergy Tablets, 180Mg, 70 Count | Fexofenadine | $$$$ | 4.7 |
 | 2. perrigo - Fexofenadine Generic Allegra 60 Mg - 100ct. | Fexofenadine | $$$$ | 4.7 |
 | 3. GoodSense Allergy Relief Loratadine Tablets, 10 mg, 365 Count | Loratadine | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 4. Members Mark, Loratadine 10mg, 400 Tablets | Loratadine | $$$ | 4.7 |
 | 5. Zyrtec 24 Hour Allergy Dissolve Tablets, 10 mg, Citrus, 24 Count | Cetirizine | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 6. CETIRIZINE 10 MG TAB 100 [Health and Beauty] (Pack of 2 | Cetirizine | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 7. Kirkland Signature Non Drowsy Allerclear Loratadine Tablets, Antihistamine, 10mg, 365-Count | Loratadine | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 8. Major Pharmaceuticals Chlorpheniramine Maleate 4 mg Anti-Allergy Tablets, 1000 Count | Chlorpheniramine Maleate | $ | 4.5 |
 | 9. Diphenhydramine Oral Solution Antihistamine 16oz Bottle | Diphenhydramine | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 10. Fexofenadine Hydrochloride, Compared to Allegra, 180mg, 100 ct | Fenofexadine | $$$ | 4.2 |
Buying Information for Antihistamines for Hives
Allergic reactions are characterized by a group of symptoms that may or may not occur in certain people. For instance, two people with the same allergy to pollen can manifest a reaction in different ways. One might only have a runny nose, while another develops hives.
This itchy skin irritation can be very uncomfortable, becoming a big enough reason for people to call in sick. By taking note of these specifics, you can make it easier to relieve hives with an antihistamine that’s meant for you.
- Active Ingredient. Antihistamines come in many forms. Some only target nasal and sinus symptoms, while others act more effectively on itching and skin irritation. This all depends on their main active ingredient, which ultimately decides what a particular antihistamine is intended for.
- Fexofenadine. Much milder than other options, this antihistamine relieves hives minus the potential for side effects like drowsiness.
- Diphenhydramine. Another popular antihistamine, diphenhydramine can be used to address hives. However, it is known to cause severe drowsiness making it a poor choice for people on the go.
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate. A powerful antihistamine, chlorpheniramine maleate specifically targets nasal and sinus symptoms, but does have some properties that also effectively relieve hives. Side effects can be very unpleasant however, including high blood pressure, drowsiness, nausea, and headaches.
- Loratadine. Also considered by many as the best medicine for hives, loratadine is very similar to fexofenadine. It doesn’t cause drowsiness as much as other options, however the chances of it working on you depend on how well your body takes to the formulation.
- Cetirizine. One of the side effects for cetirizine is labored or effortful breathing, which makes it a poor choice for people with respiratory problems. This can make it a dangerous choice if your hives has spread to your wind pipe and throat.
- Delivery Method. Antihistamines can come as tablets, capsules, gel caps, or liquids. The main difference here is that those that come as solids take time to metabolize, delaying the effects of the drug. Liquid formulas are more readily absorbed by the body. Another thing to consider is that liquids can coat the throat in antihistamine which is ideal for people who develop hives to the point of wind pipe closure.
- Side-Effects. Because most antihistamines are very powerful medications, it’s impossible to find one that doesn’t have a list of side-effects. Reading the labels and determining what might happen if you take a dosage won’t only prepare you for the effects of the medicine, but will also help keep you safe as the antihistamine takes effect.
Top 3 Best Antihistamine for Hives Reviews
1. Allegra Adult 24 Hour Allergy Tablets
The best antihistamine for hives based on consumer reviews is Allegra Adult 24 Hour Allergy Tablets. Offering 24 hour relief, it only takes one dosage of this antihistamine in order to soothe and calm even the most aggressive cases of hives.
Containing fexofenadine as its main active ingredient, Allegra Adult 24 Hour Allergy Tablets is very mild, causing very few side-effects compared to other antihistamines on the market. Another quality that makes it ideal for most is the fact that it is one of the fastest acting medicines for hives. Clearing out a widespread breakout in less than an hour, users can enjoy freedom from the itching, aching pain that hives usually cause.
It’s mild formula, minimal side-effects, and fast-acting properties make Allegra Adult 24 Hour Allergy Tablets a perfect choice if you’re looking for the best antihistamine for hives to stock up in your medicine cabinet.
2. perrigo – Fexofenadine Generic Allegra
Despite being a lesser known brand, those who have tried Perrigo claim that it can effectively relieve hives relative to most other options. Using fexofenadine as its main active ingredient, Perrigo is also very mild and safe, causing minimal side-effects.
Although very few people have problems with Perrigo, it’s worth mentioning that it doesn’t take effect as soon as other options. If your case of hives is particularly limiting and uncomfortable, you may want to settle for something that provides relief sooner. If you don’t mind the wait, then Perrigo should work just fine for you.
3. GoodSense Allergy Relief Loratadine Tablets
GoodSense is a well-known brand in the antihistamine market, with its Loratadine Tablets third on the list of top-rated medicines for hives. What makes it a viable option for a lot of people is that it’s very affordable, costing only a fraction of what other medications might cost. At such a low price point, people looking for an antihistamine to keep in stock for family or office use can get great value for their money with GoodSense.
Of course, while it is relatively effective, loratadine has been known to work only on a select fraction of the population. This means that you may or may not experience relief when you use this antihistamine. In the even that it doesn’t provide positive outcomes, it would be necessary to choose a different drug all together.