Quick Answers
Many common over-the-counter allergy medicines are gluten-free. Some examples of gluten-free allergy medicine brands include Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, Benadryl, and Flonase. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should always check the label of any medication for gluten-containing ingredients. Some allergy medicines may contain wheat starch as an inactive ingredient.
Evaluating Allergy Medicine Ingredients
When determining if an allergy medicine is gluten-free, it is important to read the drug facts label and look for any gluten-containing ingredients. The most common sources of gluten to avoid are:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt
In addition to the active ingredients, inactive ingredients should also be reviewed. Fillers such as wheat starch are sometimes used in medications. Cross-contamination during manufacturing is also a potential concern for individuals with celiac disease or wheat allergy.
Common Allergy Medicine Active Ingredients
There are many different active ingredients used in allergy medicines. Common drug classes include:
- Antihistamines – block histamine reaction (diphenhydramine, loratadine, cetirizine)
- Nasal corticosteroids – reduce inflammation (fluticasone, triamcinolone)
- Leukotriene inhibitors – block leukotrienes (montelukast)
- Decongestants – constrict blood vessels (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine)
The active ingredients themselves do not contain gluten. However, they are combined with various inactive ingredients that could potentially be a source of gluten.
Reading Drug Facts Labels
Reading the drug facts label on any over-the-counter allergy medicine is the only way to determine if it is gluten-free. Key sections of the label to review include:
- Active ingredients – lists the active ingredients which provide the therapeutic effect.
- Inactive ingredients – lists filler ingredients that are not intended to have a direct effect.
- Warnings – notes any allergen sources such as wheat.
- Manufacturing information – provides details on product lines and manufacturing facilities.
Call the manufacturer if the drug facts label does not provide enough information to determine if the product is gluten-free. The manufacturer can look up the formulation to confirm any potential sources of gluten.
Commonly Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about gluten in allergy medications:
Are generic allergy medicines gluten-free?
Generics can be gluten-free, but it depends on the inactive ingredients used in that particular generic formulation. Check the label.
What about allergy medications in liquid form?
Liquid forms like syrups and drops sometimes contain gluten ingredients. Check for sources like wheat starch.
Are allergy medications manufactured in dedicated gluten-free facilities?
Most major brands do not note manufacturing in gluten-free facilities. However, some specialty pharmacies make gluten-free claims.
What about cross-contamination during manufacturing?
Those extremely sensitive should call the manufacturer to understand their protocols to avoid cross-contamination.
Which allergy eye drops are gluten-free?
Popular eye drop brands like Visine, Opcon-A, and Bausch + Lomb are gluten-free. But always check labels for inactive ingredients.
Are antibiotic eye drops gluten-free?
Antibiotic eye drops typically do not contain any gluten ingredients. But check with your pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Are Afrin or other nasal sprays gluten-free?
Common nasal allergy sprays like Afrin and Flonase are labeled gluten-free. However, some nasal sprays may contain wheat ingredients.
Allergy Medicine Brands Labeled Gluten-Free
Many major allergy medicine brands clearly label their products gluten-free right on the packaging. Some gluten-free labeled brands include:
- Claritin – Antihistamine tablets, syrups, and nasal sprays
- Zyrtec – Cetirizine antihistamine tablets and syrups
- Allegra – Fexofenadine antihistamine tablets and suspensions
- Benadryl – Diphenhydramine antihistamine in various forms
- Alavert – Loratadine antihistamine tablets
- Tavist – Clemastine antihistamine tablets
- Flonase – Fluticasone nasal allergy spray
Always verify ingredients each time a product is purchased, even if it is labeled gluten-free. Manufacturers can change product formulations at any time. Individual batch testing is the only way to guarantee a product is gluten-free to the parts per million level.
Allergy Medicines with Gluten-Containing Ingredients
While most major brands are gluten-free, there are some allergy relief products that contain gluten. Examples include:
- Chlor-Trimeton Allergy – Contains wheat starch
- Triaminic Allergy – May contain wheat starch
- Tylenol Allergy Sinus – May contain wheat starch
- Tylenol Cold & Sinus Severe – May contain wheat starch
Again, reading labels is imperative as formulations can change over time. Call the manufacturer if an allergy medicine lists ambiguous ingredients like starch without specifying the source.
Non-Drowsy Allergy Medicines
Many people prefer to take non-drowsy allergy medicines to avoid side effects like sleepiness. Some of the most common non-drowsy, gluten-free allergy medicine brands include:
- Claritin (loratadine) – Available as tablets, chewables, and liquids
- Alavert (loratadine) – Branded tablets from the Claritin manufacturer
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) – Tablet, chewable, and liquid forms
- Allegra (fexofenadine) – Offered as tablets and suspension
- Xyzal (levocetirizine) – Tablets for indoor and outdoor allergies
These popular over-the-counter medicines are formulated without wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients. As always, double check the label each time before using.
Kids Allergy Medicines
When giving allergy medicines to children, liquid suspensions or chewables are often easiest to administer. Some gluten-free choices include:
- Children’s Zyrtec (cetirizine) – Grape chewable tablets
- Children’s Claritin (loratadine) – Berry or grape chewables
- Children’s Allegra (fexofenadine) – Fruit or grape flavored suspension
- Benadryl Children’s (diphenhydramine) – Cherry or grape oral solution
- Children’s Dimetapp (brompheniramine) – Grape cold & allergy elixir
Carefully review labels of any allergy medicine before giving to a child with gluten sensitivity. Also ensure proper dosing based on the child’s age and weight.
Natural Allergy Medicines
For those wishing to avoid drug store brands, there are some natural allergy medicines that do not contain any gluten sources:
- Allergarde – Homeopathic tablets made of plant extracts
- Himalaya Herbal Healthcare Aller-Rak – Plant-based capsules
- Planetary Herbals Allergy Season – Herbal tablets
- Bach Original Flower Remedies Rescue Remedy – Alcohol-free natural stress relief
As with any herbal supplement, check with your healthcare provider before use and be mindful of potential side effects or drug interactions. Also contact the manufacturer to understand potential cross-contamination risks.
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays can provide targeted allergy relief right where you need it – in the nasal passages. Some gluten-free nasal spray options include:
- Flonase – Corticosteroid nasal spray
- Nasacort AQ – Triamcinolone steroid spray
- Rhinocort – Budesonide anti-inflammatory spray
- Afrin – Oxymetazoline decongestant spray
Avoid long-term use of decongestant nasal sprays like Afrin as they can potentially worsen congestion. Use steroid nasal sprays sparingly under the guidance of your doctor. Never share nasal sprays with others.
Allergy Eye Drops
Itchy, watery, red eyes are some of the most bothersome allergy symptoms. The following over-the-counter eye drops are gluten-free:
- Visine-A – Antihistamine & decongestant
- Opcon-A – Antihistamine & decongestant
- Naphcon-A – Antihistamine & decongestant
- Zaditor – Antihistamine only
- Alaway – Antihistamine only
Do not use eye drops long term without consulting an eye doctor, as extended use can increase eye pressure or worsen red eyes. Never share eye drops, as this can spread infection. Properly clean and store opened bottles.
Consider Prescription Allergy Medicines
For those with severe seasonal or perennial allergy symptoms not controlled with over-the-counter options, prescription medicines may be helpful. They include:
- Oral antihistamines – Longer lasting non-drowsy pills like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine
- Nasal steroid sprays – Higher strength prescription sprays to reduce inflammation
- Eye allergy drops – Mast cell stabilizer drops like olopatadine or epinastine
- Montelukast – Oral tablet that blocks leukotriene production
- Immunotherapy – Allergy shots or sublingual tablets to reduce sensitivity
Talk to an allergist about finding prescription allergy medicine options that are right for your symptoms. Ensure any prescription is gluten-free by consulting your pharmacist and reviewing the medication instructions.
Ordering Allergy Medicines Online
Many over-the-counter allergy relief products can be conveniently ordered online. However, take the following precautions:
- Only order from reputable pharmacies and avoid buying from third parties
- Carefully review labels in the product images prior to ordering
- Once received, check the actual box and packaging for gluten-containing ingredients
- Be wary of buying in bulk, as formulations can change over time
Consult an allergist or immunologist before ordering any prescription allergy medicines online. Take care to order the right medication, strength, and quantity from a verified online pharmacy.
Talk to a Pharmacist
Pharmacists are a trusted source of information when selecting allergy remedies. Be sure to inform the pharmacist of any gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. A pharmacist can:
- Double check ingredients on over-the-counter allergy medicine labels
- Assist in identifying gluten-free prescription options
- Investigate ingredients in compounding formulations
- Contact manufacturers for clarification on questionable ingredients
Developing a relationship with a knowledgeable pharmacist can provide an extra layer of safety when choosing gluten-free allergy relief.
Things to Remember
Here are some key tips to keep in mind when selecting gluten-free allergy medications:
- Always read the Drug Facts label, even on brands you have used before
- Check both the active and inactive ingredients for gluten sources
- Call the manufacturer if ingredients are not definitively stated
- Consult a pharmacist if you have any uncertainty about product ingredients
- Inform your doctor of any gluten sensitivity when prescribed allergy medicine
Stay vigilant, as formulations can change at any time. If an allergy medicine contains wheat, barley, rye, or malt, avoid use and ask your pharmacist to suggest a gluten-free alternative. Proper label reading and caution can help identify allergy medicines that fit your gluten-free needs.
The Bottom Line
Many popular over-the-counter allergy medicines like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are labeled gluten-free. But always verify by carefully reading the ingredients label of any allergy medication, as formulations can change over time or vary across generics. Call the manufacturer if any ingredients are unclear. Those with celiac disease or wheat allergy should consult a knowledgeable pharmacist when selecting allergy relief medicines to avoid gluten exposure.
