Antihistamines are useful medications for the treatment of a variety of allergic disorders. Second-generation antihistamines avidly and selectively bind to peripheral histamine H1 receptors and, consequently, provide gratifying relief of histamine-mediated symptoms in a majority of atopic patients. Have you had a long day? Do you want to just sleep right away and forget about your allergies?
It can instantly put you to sleep and treat your common allergies and cold symptoms at the same time. It includes all-natural, non-drowsy ingredients like Nettle Root, Quercetin, Bromelain, and Butterbur, which combined can help you stay healthy during allergy season.
You can give yourself some relief by taking the Xyzal Allergy Relief Tablets that were made to alleviate symptoms associated with animal dander allergies. You just have to be aware of your symptoms and grab treatments that fit your situation. Be clear about your symptoms and keep them in mind when choosing what OTC medicine to take. The antihistamine Cetirizine Hydrochloride found in GoodSense All Day Allergy view on Amazon can treat indoor and outdoor symptoms and is safe for children 6 years old and up with a milligram tablet limit per day.
However, it is important to note this antihistamine may cause drowsiness so keep that in mind if you are treating yourself or your child before school or work.
Children over the age of 12 and adults can take one milligram tablet per day but should be on the lookout for side effects, like dizziness or nausea. According to Laura Chong, M. Chong says there are many different ways antihistamines can be used.
Depending on which method of antihistamine you decide to use, they each offer relief from those pesky allergy symptoms. If you are one of the millions who suffer from allergies, you've more than likely experienced the draining symptoms that come with them.
Some signs that indicate you should see an allergist are if your symptoms are causing you to have difficulty breathing, your ability to carry on your daily life is interfered with due to asthma or allergies, and tightness in your chest.
If your allergies seem to be triggered during peak pollen seasons, a fast-acting antihistamine can offer quick and effective relief from symptoms. Allegra and Zyrtec are both antihistamines that can speed up symptom relief. The most effective OTC allergy medicine completely depends on what type of allergen is triggering your symptoms and the type of symptoms you are experiencing.
However, antihistamines are considered the most effective option as they can help with both indoor and outdoor allergens. Some OTC allergy medicines have a sedating effect that can make you feel tired and drowsy. Brands like Allegra and Claritain offer non-drowsy options that provide all of the relief without any of the sleepiness. As a seasoned health writer, Isis Briones knows the importance of finding products that work best for you and your conditions.
You can count on her to always provide a variety of recommendations from licensed medical professionals because she has tested and reviewed tons of products over the years to know everyone is different.
Additional reporting by Katrina Cossey. Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Focus on the cetirizine use in clinical practice: a reappraisal 30 years later.
Multidiscip Respir Med ;14 Mayo Clinic. Allergy medications: Know your options. Updated May 1, When to see an allergist. Your Privacy Rights.
Corticosteroid sprays prevent and relieve stuffiness, sneezing and runny nose. Side effects can include an unpleasant taste, nasal irritation and nosebleeds. For people who are bothered by the feeling of liquid running down their throats or the unpleasant taste of these sprays, there are two aerosol formulas:. Inhaled corticosteroids are often used daily as part of treatment for asthma caused or complicated by reactions to airborne allergy triggers allergens.
Side effects are generally minor and can include mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections. Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators. Prescription inhalers include:. Corticosteroid eyedrops are used to relieve persistent itchy, red or watery eyes when other interventions aren't effective. A physician specializing in eye disorders ophthalmologist usually monitors the use of these drops because of the risk of problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma and infection.
Oral corticosteroids are used to treat severe symptoms caused by all types of allergic reactions. Long-term use can cause cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, stomach ulcers, increased blood sugar glucose and delayed growth in children. Oral corticosteroids can also worsen high blood pressure. Corticosteroid creams relieve allergic skin reactions such as itching, redness or scaling.
Some low-potency corticosteroid creams are available without a prescription, but talk to your doctor before using these drugs for more than a few weeks. Side effects can include skin discoloration and irritation. Long-term use, especially of stronger prescription corticosteroids, can cause thinning of the skin and abnormal hormone levels.
Mast cell stabilizers block the release of chemicals in the immune system that contribute to allergic reactions. These drugs are generally safe but usually need to be used for several days to produce the full effect. They're usually used when antihistamines are not working or not well-tolerated. A leukotriene inhibitor is a prescription medication that blocks symptom-causing chemicals called leukotrienes. This oral medication relieves allergy signs and symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing.
Only one type of this drug, montelukast Singulair , is approved for treating hay fever. In some people, leukotriene inhibitors can cause psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, strange dreams, trouble sleeping, and suicidal thinking or behavior. Immunotherapy is carefully timed and gradually increased exposure to allergens, particularly those that are difficult to avoid, such as pollens, dust mites and molds.
The goal is to train the body's immune system not to react to these allergens. Immunotherapy might be used when other treatments aren't effective or tolerated. It is also helpful in reducing asthma symptoms in some patients. Immunotherapy may be given as a series of injections, usually one or two times a week. The dose may be increased weekly or every two weeks based on the patient's tolerance. Injections of the maximum tolerated dose may then be given every two to four weeks year round. Side effects might include irritation at the injection site and allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion or hives.
Rarely, allergy shots can cause anaphylaxis, a sudden life-threatening reaction that causes swelling in the throat, difficulty breathing, and other signs and symptoms. With this type of immunotherapy, you place an allergen-based tablet under your tongue sublingual and allow it to be absorbed.
This treatment has been shown to reduce runny nose, congestion, eye irritation and other symptoms associated with hay fever. But in people with allergies, the body mistakes something harmless — such as pollen, animal hair or house dust — for a threat and produces histamine.
The histamine causes an allergic reaction with unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watering eyes, a running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes.
Antihistamines help stop this happening if you take them before you come into contact with the substance you're allergic to.
Or they can reduce the severity of symptoms if you take them afterwards. The leaflet that comes in the packet with your medicine will have detailed information about it, including how to take it and what side effects you might get. If you no longer have the leaflet that came with your medicine, you can search for an online version of it using our medicines guide.
You may also find information on individual antihistamines on these websites:. Page last reviewed: 28 February Next review due: 28 February Types of antihistamine There are many types of antihistamine.
They're usually divided into 2 main groups: antihistamines that make you feel sleepy — such as acrivastine , chlorphenamine Piriton , hydroxyzine and promethazine non-drowsy antihistamines that are less likely to make you feel sleepy — such as cetirizine , cinnarizine , diphenhydramine , fexofenadine and loratadine They also come in several different forms — including tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, creams, lotions, gels, eyedrops and nasal sprays.
Which type is best? How to take antihistamines Take your medicine as advised by the pharmacist or doctor, or as described in the leaflet that comes with it.
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