Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the first-line and best treatment option for hives. These medications work by preventing the production histamine by your immune system, thus alleviating the signs of the allergy. For most forms of hives, an OTC antihistamine would provide significant relief. The effects are quick and might last for the whole day. Some common options include Zyrtec, Xyzal, Claritin, or Allegra. Just like other drugs, there might be some side effects such as cough, constipation, nausea, dry mouth, and dizziness. [9]
