Guide to Allergy Medicines in Japan: Antihistamines, Sprays and Natural Relief

Finding Allergy Relief Medications in Japan

Japan offers a variety of over-the-counter and prescription allergy medicines to manage symptoms. With high pollen counts across much of the country, Japanese consumers have access to many formulations of antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops and natural supplements to alleviate suffering from seasonal allergies.

Understanding Allergy Triggers in Japan

Some of the most common allergens causing misery in Japan include pollens from cypress trees, Japanese cedar, ragweed and ryegrass. Mold spores can also trigger reactions. Major allergy seasons tend to be February to April with cypress pollen and September to October for ragweed pollen.

House dust mites, animal dander, insect bites, certain foods, latex and medications can also spark allergy flares for sensitive individuals. Pollution and viruses sometimes get the blame as well when people have runny noses and congestion when pollen counts are low.

Labels to Look for When Buying Allergy Medicine

The following Japanese words help identify allergy products when searching drug store shelves or pharmacy offerings:

• Arerug Allergy
• - Biyan - Rhinitis
• - Khisutamin - Antihistamine
• - Medonokai - Eye itchiness
• - Bikysupur - Nasal spray

Non-Drowsy Antihistamines for Allergy Relief

For controlling sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes, several modern non-drowsy antihistamines are popular options in Japan:

• Allelock (Fexofenadine) Once a day tablet.
• Claritin (Loratadine) - 24 hour relief tablet.
• Talion (Rupatadine) Newer prescription tablet.
• Reactine (Cetirizine) Low sedating syrup and tablet.

These minimize allergy symptoms without as much risk of fatigue, headaches or impaired concentration that happens with older antihistamines. Always read packaging for proper dosage based on age.

Nasal Steroid Sprays for Allergy Relief

Corticosteroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation causing sinus congestion, sneezing fits, postnasal drip and other allergy issues. Unlike oral steroids, minimal amounts get absorbed in the bloodstream so major side effects are rare.

Nasonex (Mometasone) is a popular corticosteroid spray sold in Japan proven to shrink swollen nasal passages and block allergic reactions locally. It may take several days of use to notice full effects.

Prescription Allergy Eye Drops Offered in Japan

Itchy, red, burning eyes beg for relief when allergies strike. Japanese pharmacies provide several prescription anti-allergy eye drop options:

Medicated Eyedrops S Antibiotic

This eye drop contains chlorpheniramine maleate to stop histamine release and relieve itchiness and swelling. The S Antibiotic version adds sulfamethoxazole to prevent bacterial infections that can happen alongside allergies.

Zaditen Ophthalmic Solution

Zaditen (Ketotifen fumarate) is a topical antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer. It goes beyond symptom relief by stopping inflammation at the cellular level. Zaditen is applied twice per day for ongoing allergy eye protection.

Pemafibrate Ophthalmic Suspension

Under the brand name Innavail, this medication combines antihistamine with a NSAID pain reliever for broad eye allergy treatment. By blocking histamine and prostaglandin effects, it tackles multiple causes of ocular discomfort due to environmental allergies.

Combination Eye Allergy Medications

Combining different medicines together in one eye drop maximizes relief potential for severely affected eyes. Lastacaft contains antihistamine with vasoconstrictor for fast symptom relief plus mast cell blockage to prevent further reactions. Other combo eye drops may mix steroids, NSAIDs or supplements.

Natural Allergy Relief Options in Japan

Beyond standard drug store offerings, various alternative medicines, herbs and lifestyle changes may aid allergy troubles:

Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Consuming probiotic supplements and foods like yogurt, kefir, miso soup, natto, kimchi and kombucha may lessen nasal reactions from boosting immunity. These aid digestion and alter gut bacteria linked to inflammation behind seasonal allergies and asthma.

Butterbur (Fuki) Herb

Native East Asian plant Petasites japonicus (fuki) contains petasin that blocks leukotrienes. This inflammation-causing substance provokes allergy symptoms. Fuki teabags provide easy access for harnessing natural antihistamine-like activity.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica Thunbergiana)

In Japan and elsewhere, the stinging nettle plant in teas, capsules, tinctures or extracts aims to neutralize allergy mediator histamine for upper respiratory relief. Some clinical evidence supports nettles anti-allergy effects despite stinging hairs!

Quercetin Foods

Found plentifully in Japanese staples like green tea, ginkgo, onions, berries and seaweed, quercetin stabilizes mast cells to prevent histamine release. This bioflavonoid supplements show decent symptom reduction in trials.

Acupuncture

The ancient practice inserting tiny needles along meridians dates back over 2,500 years in China and remains favored for allergy attacks in Japan. Some findings suggest acupuncture lessens inflammatory neuropeptides and boosts immune regulators to suppress allergy reactions.

With diligent label reading and pharmacy guidance, finding allergy relief medications suited to your symptoms while visiting Japan is very feasible. Both modern antihistamine drugs as well as traditional herbal approaches provide options for managing seasonal allergy troubles.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.