From what I understand there are two general antihistamines available off the shelf - loratadine, and cetrizine hydrochloride (or cetrizine dihydrochloride, same stuff). The names on the packet could be anything, it's the active ingredient that's important. They often have different effects on different people. My husband and I take different ones (I take the cetrizine and he takes the loratadine) and I haven't had any trouble with hayfever this year, but he's been sniffling for days - just depends on what works for you, and what pollen you're particularly sensitive to.
It seems to me that this years pollen count has not only been high but the pollen type has been one that more people have been susceptible to.
Another thing that I've found is that if you take an antihistamine after the hayfever has started then it has a tougher time to deal with it. I try to start taking the 'one-a-day' pills at the first hint of a high pollen count and keep going every day until autumn. It keeps me from the sniffles and wheezing.
I have found in the past that if I get itchy eyes, if I wash my hands thoroughly with cold soap and water then rubbing my eyes wasn't too bad. If you don't wash your hands first you can make it soooooo much worse.
