Which drug is a common treatment for allergy symptoms?

Cetirizine, commonly known by its brand name Zyrtec, is an antihistamine medication widely used to alleviate allergy symptoms. As an antihistamine, it works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that is released during an allergic reaction. This reduces symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the throat or nose. Cetirizine is often used to treat seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, and is appreciated for its effectiveness and relatively low incidence of sedation compared to first-generation antihistamines.

The other options listed do not serve the purpose of treating allergy symptoms effectively. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots, Aspirin is primarily used as an analgesic or anti-inflammatory, and Niacin is a form of vitamin B3 that can help improve cholesterol levels. None of these medications target the histamine pathways that are responsible for allergy symptoms, making cetirizine the clear choice for this indication.