The only way to prevent food allergy symptoms is to avoid allergenic foods — but that can be hard, especially when eating out or traveling. Foods with ingredients that seem safe sometimes turn out to be cross-contaminated with allergens. Fortunately, some medications can improve the symptoms of allergic reactions or stop life-threatening allergic reactions.

Despite encouraging food allergy research, there’s no cure for food allergies. You’ll need to stick to your treatment plan and avoid triggers if you or your child has food allergies. It’s also important to know that all medications have a risk of side effects, which you should discuss with your doctor whenever trying a new food allergy treatment.

This article discusses some food allergy medications. You can talk with your doctor about which treatment options might be appropriate for you or your child.

1. Epinephrine Auto-Injectors and Nasal Sprays

If you have severe allergies, your doctor will likely recommend carrying epinephrine at all times for emergency treatment in case of an accidental exposure. Epinephrine is the first treatment option for a severe allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing. Also known as adrenaline, epinephrine is a hormone and neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that quickly:

• Opens the airways
• Stops hives and swelling
• Increases blood pressure
• Decreases stomach cramping

If you have severe allergies, your doctor will likely recommend carrying epinephrine at all times for emergency treatment.

Auto-injectors allow the user to easily and quickly self-inject epinephrine into muscle. Epinephrine auto-injectors are sold under brand names such as Auvi-Q, EpiPen, and EpiPen Jr. There are also generic products.

In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an epinephrine nasal spray called Neffy for anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction) in adults and children 4 years and older who weigh at least 33 pounds. This needle-free option may be easier for some people to use in emergencies.

An epinephrine auto-injector or nasal spray should be given at the first sign of a serious allergic reaction. People at risk of anaphylaxis should always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors or nasal sprays. A second reaction can happen, or one dose may not be enough for severe allergic reactions. In rare cases, an auto-injector might not work right or be used correctly, so having a backup is important.

Call 911 immediately after administering an epinephrine auto-injector. Follow-up at an emergency room is necessary because a second anaphylactic reaction can sometimes occur hours, or even a few days, later.

Some people who carry an epinephrine auto-injector or nasal spray wear medical identification alert jewelry notifying others of their allergy or attach a prominent tag to the bag containing their epinephrine.

Epinephrine can make you feel jittery after use. If you experience side effects like difficulty breathing, swelling or pain around the injection site, fast or irregular heartbeat, or other symptoms, make sure you tell the provider who treats you in the emergency room.

2. Over-the-Counter Antihistamines

Mild symptoms of food allergy are sometimes improved by taking over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine, and loratadine. Antihistamines are believed to work by blocking the action of histamines (chemicals associated with allergic reactions) in the body. Antihistamines won’t prevent anaphylaxis and aren’t recommended as a first treatment for people with severe allergies. Your doctor can help you understand when to use an OTC antihistamine versus epinephrine.

Certain types of antihistamines make some people drowsy. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if you might benefit from an OTC antihistamine and what product might be best for you.

3. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids — often just called steroids — may help improve some symptoms of food allergy, such as airway narrowing and rash. Corticosteroids can take hours to start having a significant effect. These drugs aren’t recommended as a first-line or emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.

Corticosteroids are synthetic (human-made) hormones that reduce the immune system’s reaction that triggers allergies. These medications may be taken orally, applied topically to the skin, inhaled for nasal or respiratory symptoms, or injected into a vein or muscle. Steroids such as hydrocortisone, prednisolone, and prednisone are sometimes given to treat symptoms of food allergies.

Corticosteroids are synthetic (human-made) hormones that reduce the immune system’s reaction that triggers allergies.

Used long term at higher doses, steroids can cause many side effects, including weight gain, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Although corticosteroids have long been used alongside main treatments, their usefulness is now being questioned.

4. Albuterol

Albuterol is a fast-acting rescue medication prescribed for asthma. This inhaled medication can treat cough and shortness of breath associated with an allergic reaction. However, albuterol won’t prevent anaphylaxis and isn’t recommended as a first treatment for people with severe food allergies. Albuterol can cause dizziness, nervousness, headaches, and a fast heartbeat.

5. Omalizumab

Omalizumab (Xolair) is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) every two to four weeks to treat food allergies linked to immunoglobulin E (IgE). These allergies happen when the immune system makes IgE antibodies that trigger an overreaction to certain foods. Common IgE-related food allergies include milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and shellfish. These allergies can lead to anaphylaxis.

Omalizumab works by targeting the IgE antibody. The medication can cause irritation at the injection site and fever. Anaphylaxis is a rare but serious side effect and requires immediate treatment.

6. Emerging Treatments

Immunology research is leading to new treatments for food allergies, which may help people have fewer reactions and live more safely. You can talk with your allergist or doctor to learn more.

Immunotherapy

Oral immunotherapy works by giving a person with food allergies very small amounts of the allergen, helping train their immune system to tolerate it over time. Oral immunotherapy doesn’t cure a food allergy but can help reduce the severity and frequency of allergic reactions. People with severe allergies should still always carry epinephrine in case of a serious reaction.

The FDA has approved one oral immunotherapy product, Palforzia, for the treatment of children and adolescents with a confirmed peanut allergy. This drug contains small amounts of peanut protein and may help some people increase their tolerance to peanuts.

Epicutaneous immunotherapy, an experimental type of allergen immunotherapy, uses a skin patch to deliver very small amounts of an allergen to help build tolerance. As of November 2025, no epicutaneous treatments were FDA-approved for food allergies.

Clinical Trials

Some people with food allergies participate in clinical trials to try new treatments for food allergies. Clinical trials are studies with volunteer participants to test new drugs before they’re available to the public.

Talk With Your Doctor

If you have food allergies, avoiding triggers is the best way to prevent reactions. People with severe allergies should always carry epinephrine in case of a serious reaction.

While there’s no cure, several medications can help manage symptoms or treat emergencies. New treatments are also being studied, and some may become available in the future. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you or your child.

Join the Conversation

On MyFoodAllergyTeam, people share their experiences with food allergies, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you reviewed your treatment plan with your doctor? Have you discussed any of the new treatments for food allergies? Let others know in the comments below.