Which medications are typically used to treat allergic reactions?

The use of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Decadron (dexamethasone) for treating allergic reactions is well-established and effective. Benadryl is an antihistamine that provides rapid relief from symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and hives by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Meanwhile, Decadron is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response, making it useful for more severe allergic reactions or conditions such as allergic asthma or anaphylaxis.

Other medications listed either serve different purposes or are not appropriate for managing allergic reactions. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are pain relievers and do not address the underlying allergic processes. Amoxicillin and erythromycin are antibiotics that treat bacterial infections, not allergies. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to reduce stomach acid, and ranitidine was an H2 receptor antagonist (though currently not widely used due to safety concerns) that might help with certain allergic reactions but does not have the same wide-ranging efficacy as Benadryl and Decadron for managing the most common symptoms associated with allergies.