Many people have or have had experiencing several allergies symptoms at some point in their lives. Sneezing symptoms, itchiness, and runny nose are some of the most common symptoms of an allergy attack.
Taking antihistamines can be an affordable and effective alleviation of symptoms of an allergy attack. For most mild allergies such as hay fever or allergic to animal hair, the symptoms can be successful by OTC (over-the-counter) antihistamine be administered. But as a frequent user, it’s best to get approval from your doctor and / or recommendations before taking the drug (or drugs) in order to avoid any possibility of medical complications.
Below are several antihistamines that are popular and you can find easily in the market:
Brompheniramine (BroveX, BroveX CT, Lodrane 12 Hour ER Tablet)
Chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor, Allergy, Chlo-Amine, Chlor-Trimeton,
Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Efidac 24)
Promethazine Oral (Phenergan)
Azelastine Nasal Spray (Astelin)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)
Dexchlorpheniramine oral syrup
Desloratadine (Clarinex)
Brompheniramine Oral Suspension (BroveX Oral Suspension)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Clemastine (Dayhist-1, Tavist, Tavist Allergy)
Diphenhydramine Oral (AllerMax, Banophen, Benadryl, Diphenhist,
Genahist)
Dexchlorpheniramine ER
Carbinoxamine (Histex CT)
How Antihistamines Drugs Work?
Antihistamines work by preventing histamine from binding to histamine
receptors. This prevents the release of chemicals in cells that cause allergy
symptoms.
What are the Benefits of Antihistamines?
This class of allergy medications is effective in reducing the symptoms of
sneezing, itchiness, and a runny nose.
Potential Side Effects of Antihistamines
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach upset
• Vision changes
• Irritability
• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Dry nose
• Unusual restlessness or nervousness in children
Major Cautions of Using Antihistamines
• Breathing difficulties
• Pounding or irregular heartbeat
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty urinating
• Seizures
Known Drug Interactions with Antihistamines
• Barbiturate medicines
• Doxercalciferol (Hectorol)
• Anxiety medications
• Antidepressants and other psychiatric medications
• Parkinson’s disease medications
Additional drug interactions for fexofenadine (Allegra):
• Antacids
• Erythromycin
• Grapefruit, apple, or orange juice
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
Food or Supplement Interactions
• Alcohol: can magnify drowsiness or dizziness of allergy medications
• St. John’s wort specifically for fexofenadine (Allegra)