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Antihistamines Contributions by ColleenO

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Antihistamines are a common treatment for allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis. They come in prescription and over-the-counter forms.

The following antihistamines are available over-the-counter, without a prescription. Many of these are older (first-generation) antihistamines. (Note: First-generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness.)

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • Brompheniramine (Dimetane)
  • Dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine (Drixoral)
  • Clemastine (Tavist)
  • Chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine (Triaminic Allergy)

Several second-generation antihistamines are also available over the counter. (Note: Second-generation antihistamines are non-sedating.)

  • Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec)

Common prescription antihistamines include:

  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Nasal antihistamine sprays are also available, such as azelastine (Astelin).

... (more)

Possible side effects of over-the-counter antihistamines include:

  • Drowsiness (Claritin and Zyrtec are non-sedating)
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Dry mouth

Possible side effects of prescription antihistamines include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadness
  • Blurry vision
  • Change in ability to think clearly
  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat
  • Gastrointestinal upset, stomach pain, or nausea
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Thickening of mucus
  • Increased effects in people with kidney disease due to slower removal from the body
... (more)

Antihistamines are a common treatment for allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis. They come in prescription and over-the-counter forms.

The following antihistamines are available over-the-counter, without a prescription. Many of these are older (first-generation) antihistamines. (Note: First-generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness.)

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • Brompheniramine (Dimetane)
  • Dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine (Drixoral)
  • Clemastine (Tavist)
  • Chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine (Triaminic Allergy)

Several second-generation antihistamines are also available over the counter. (Note: Second-generation antihistamines are non-sedating.)

  • Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec)

Common prescription antihistamines include:

  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Nasal antihistamine sprays are also available, such as azelastine (Astelin).

... (more)

Antihistamines are a common treatment for allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis. They come in prescription and over-the-counter forms.

The following antihistamines are available over-the-counter, without a prescription. Many of these are older (first-generation) antihistamines. (Note: First-generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness.)

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • Brompheniramine (Dimetane)
  • Dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine (Drixoral)
  • Clemastine (Tavist)
  • Chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine (Triaminic Allergy)

Several second-generation antihistamines are also available over the counter. (Note: Second-generation antihistamines are non-sedating.)

  • Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec)

Common prescription antihistamines include:

  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Nasal antihistamine sprays are also available, such as azelastine (Astelin).

... (more)

Possible side effects of over-the-counter antihistamines include:

  • Drowsiness (Claritin and Zyrtec are non-sedating)
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Dry mouth

Possible side effects of prescription antihistamines include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadness
  • Blurry vision
  • Change in ability to think clearly
  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat
  • Gastrointestinal upset, stomach pain, or nausea
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Thickening of mucus
  • Increased effects in people with kidney disease due to slower removal from the body
... (more)

Antihistamines are a common treatment for allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis. They come in prescription and over-the-counter forms.

The following antihistamines are available over-the-counter, without a prescription. Many of these are older (first-generation) antihistamines. (Note: First-generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness.)

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • Brompheniramine (Dimetane)
  • Dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine (Drixoral)
  • Clemastine (Tavist)
  • Chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine (Triaminic Allergy)

Several second-generation antihistamines are also available over the counter. (Note: Second-generation antihistamines are non-sedating.)

  • Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec)

Common prescription antihistamines include:

  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Nasal antihistamine sprays are also available, such as azelastine (Astelin).

... (more)

Enter section content...

Antihistamines help reduce or block the action of histamine, a chemical that is released when the immune system reacts to an allergen. The release of histamine leads to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

... (more)

Antihistamines are a common treatment for allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis. They come in prescription and over-the-counter forms.

The following antihistamines are available over-the-counter, without a prescription. Many of these are older (first-generation) antihistamines. (Note: First-generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness.)

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • Brompheniramine (Dimetane)
  • Dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine (Drixoral)
  • Clemastine (Tavist)
  • Chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine (Triaminic Allergy)

Several second-generation antihistamines are also available over the counter. (Note: Second-generation antihistamines are non-sedating.)

  • Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec)

Common prescription antihistamines include:

  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Nasal antihistamine sprays are also available, such as azelastine (Astelin).

... (more)

Possible side effects of antihistamines include:

  • Sedation
  • Drying of secretions, which impairs their clearance and may lead to complications (such as sinusitis, otitis, and pneumonia)
  • Retention or difficulty passing urine
  • Rashes
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Indigestion
  • Constipation
  • Anemia

Talk to your doctor before taking these medications if you have the following conditions, which can be made worse by the side effects of antihistamines:

  • Urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate gland
  • Glaucoma
  • Breathing problems
... (more)

Enter section content...

Antihistamines interfere in the action of substances (histamines) that cause the inflammation-related symptoms of cold and flu (such as runny nose and congestion).

... (more)

Possible side effects of antihistamines include:

  • Sedation
  • Drying of secretions, which impairs their clearance and may lead to complications (such as sinusitis, otitis, and pneumonia)
  • Retention or difficulty passing urine
  • Rashes
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Indigestion
  • Constipation
  • Anemia

Talk to your doctor before taking these medications if you have the following conditions, which can be made worse by the side effects of antihistamines:

  • Urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate gland
  • Glaucoma
  • Breathing problems
... (more)

The main effect of antihistamines is to dry up secretions. They are also sedating, so much so that they are ingredients in all OTC sleep remedies. Second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) are considered non-sedating and may be available without a prescription.

Common antihistamines include:

  • Diphenhydramine
  • Chlorpheniramine
  • Brompheniramine
... (more)

Antihistamines interfere in the action of substances (histamines) that cause the inflammation-related symptoms of cold and flu (such as runny nose and congestion).

... (more)

Antihistamines are a common treatment for allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis. They come in prescription and over-the-counter forms.

The following antihistamines are available over-the-counter, without a prescription. Many of these are older (first-generation) antihistamines. (Note: First-generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness.)

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • Brompheniramine (Dimetane)
  • Dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine (Drixoral)
  • Clemastine (Tavist)
  • Chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine (Triaminic Allergy)

Several second-generation antihistamines are also available over the counter. (Note: Second-generation antihistamines are non-sedating.)

  • Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec)

Common prescription antihistamines include:

  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Nasal antihistamine sprays are also available, such as azelastine (Astelin).

... (more)

Antihistamines help reduce or block the action of histamine, a chemical that is released when the immune system reacts to an allergen. The release of histamine leads to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

... (more)

Experiences

Shared experience with Allergic Rhinitis and Antihistamines 14 years ago

Before I figured out how to manage my seasonal allergies naturally, over-the-counter antihistamines were my saving grace. They worked best for me if I took them when I first noticed symptoms. Otherwise, my symptoms would escalate and it would take hours for the antihistamine to "catch up" with my reaction. While they're helpful, I don't recommend them whole-heartedly because more natural options can work well if implemented over time, and they have fewer side effects.

Before I figured out how to manage my seasonal allergies naturally, over-the-counter antihistamines were my saving grace. They worked best for me if I took them when I first noticed symptoms....

...
(more)