“Is this hayfever… and what should I take first?”

This is one of the most common conversations I have in the pharmacy every spring and summer — especially with parents and chronic sufferers who feel like they’ve tried everything.

If your symptoms:

• come back around the same time each year
• last weeks rather than days
• include sneezing, itchy eyes, or a constantly runny nose
• feel worse outdoors and better indoors (or after rain)

…then in my experience this is very likely hayfever rather than “just another cold”.

If you’d like to browse all options in one place (tablets, sprays, and eye drops), here’s our collection: Hayfever & Allergy Relief.

Where I usually start: hay fever tablets

Let me be direct: for most people, hay fever tablets are the right first step.

If your main symptoms are sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or a runny nose, tablets often give the best overall relief because they calm the allergic reaction in the body — not just one area.

“What are the best hay fever tablets?”

The best tablet is usually the one you can take consistently, day after day during the season. In real pharmacy life, most “it didn’t work” stories are actually inconsistency — not a useless medicine.

Here are a few commonly chosen options from our hayfever range (links included so you can read the details and directions properly):

• Telfast Allergy 120mg Tablets (30pk) (often chosen as a non-drowsy option)
• Clarityn 10mg Loratadine Tablets (30pk) (commonly used for seasonal allergies)
• Fexo Allergy Relief 120mg Fexofenadine Tablets (30pk) (another popular non-drowsy choice)
• Piriton Tablets 4mg (60pk) (a long-standing option, but can cause drowsiness for some people)

Always read the label and follow the directions for use, especially for age limits and driving advice.

Non-drowsy hay fever tablets (this matters more than people think)

If you’re working, driving, studying, or trying to keep up with children, it’s usually sensible to start with a non-drowsy option unless you’ve been advised otherwise.

I see the same cycle every year: a tablet causes drowsiness → people stop taking it → symptoms flare → they conclude “nothing works”. Picking a non-drowsy tablet can make it easier to stick with treatment properly.

Hay fever tablets in Ireland: what I see every year

In Ireland, hayfever often starts earlier than people expect and can drag on for months depending on weather and pollen levels. The most important thing isn’t finding “a strong one” — it’s choosing the right option for your symptoms and taking it consistently.

When tablets are enough — and when you may need an add-on

Tablets often do the heavy lifting. But if you tell me: “the sneezing is better, but my nose is still blocked”, that usually means congestion needs targeted support.

How I explain it: tablets calm the allergy; sprays target the blockage.

If you’re mainly blocked, it can help to look at: Hayfever Nasal Sprays. If your eyes are the worst part, you may prefer: Hayfever Eye Drops.

Hayfever in children: what parents should watch for

Parents often describe “constant colds”. If symptoms last weeks, there’s no fever, and it repeats each spring/summer, hayfever is often the real culprit.

• Symptoms lasting weeks
• No fever or sore throat
• Frequent nose rubbing
• Same pattern each year

For children, suitability and dosing vary by product and age, so it’s worth checking the label carefully and asking for pharmacist advice if unsure.

If you have asthma, hayfever deserves extra attention

If you have asthma and your hayfever is flaring, you may notice more wheeze, chest tightness, or breathlessness. In practice, better hayfever control often helps asthma control too — and it’s worth getting advice early if breathing is affected.

Small practical steps that genuinely help

• Shower and change clothes after being outside
• Wear wraparound sunglasses on high pollen days
• Keep windows closed when pollen is high
• Avoid drying clothes outdoors on high pollen days
• Keep pets off bedding during peak season (they carry pollen indoors)

The Chemco routine that works for most people

1. Confirm it’s hayfever (pattern matters)
2. Start with hay fever tablets
3. Choose non-drowsy where practical
4. Take them consistently throughout the season
5. Add targeted support (spray/eye drops) only if needed
6. Get advice if symptoms are affecting sleep, school, work, or breathing

Hay Fever Tablets FAQs

Are hay fever tablets enough on their own?

Often yes — especially for sneezing, itching and a runny nose. If congestion remains, a nasal spray can be a useful add-on.

Why do some tablets make me sleepy?

Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. If you need to stay alert for work or driving, check the label and consider a non-drowsy option.

When should I seek advice?

If symptoms are worsening, not improving despite correct use, or breathing is affected (especially with asthma), seek professional advice.