Overview Of Over-The-Counter Antihistamines

Many individuals take antihistamines. The over-the-counter versions are available on their own. They are also found as a part of other medications! Most patients take this type of medication as a tablet. However, they also come as eye drops and nasal sprays! Patients will pick the form that best suits their needs. Of course, they need to follow the package directions all the time! Newer versions of this type of medication have fewer side effects than the older ones. However, they are both meant for short-term use only! Persistent symptoms require a visit to the doctor.

Patients need this type of medication. They are a strong seasonal allergies treatment! Taking an antihistamine for hives is very effective. This medication is also an allergic rhinitis treatment! Of course, a non-drowsy antihistamine is the best type for during the day. Overall, though, patients all have varying needs! Thus, they need to understand the most common OTC antihistamines to make the best choice.

Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is a common older antihistamine! Since it is first-generation, it causes drowsiness in many patients. However, it is still very useful! This medication treats allergies, hay fever, and the common cold! Older patients even use it for certain Parkinson's disease symptoms. Many individuals relieve motion sickness with this medication as well. It is even included in many sleep aids! Of course, drowsiness is a major side effect. Other side effects include headaches, dizziness, and coordination issues! Patients also deal with low blood pressure, fatigue, dry mouth, heart palpitations, and confusion in certain cases.

There are precautions with this medication! Children younger than two years old cannot take it. Patients must also be careful when driving with this medication. They need to avoid alcohol too, as it increases dizziness and drowsiness. Certain patients need to talk to their doctor before taking this antihistamine. Health conditions of particular concern include glaucoma, heart disease, low blood pressure, and kidney issues. Patients with thyroid problems, liver issues, or breathing issues also need to talk to their doctor first!

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Cetirizine

Cetirizine is another great over-the-counter antihistamine. It is a second-generation one! This medication is excellent for treating allergies to mold, dust mites, and animal dander. It is also a treatment for hay fever! Many patients even take it to relieve itchy, red skin from hives. This antihistamine is offered in three different tablets. Patients choose between chewable, regular, and extended-release ones! They can even take it as a liquid if they prefer. Side effects of this medication include dry mouth, fatigue, drowsiness, and stomach pain! Vomiting and diarrhea occur as well. Patients must call their doctor when these effects are persistent or severe. Rare side effects include breathing and swallowing problems. Both of these require patients to call their doctor right away!

There are precautions with this antihistamine too. Kidney and liver disease patients must consult their doctor before taking it! Pregnant women need to do this also. An allergy to hydroxyzine makes this medication unsafe! Medication interactions exist too. Patients need to talk about their current medications before adding this one! They need to mention everything they take to their doctor and pharmacist. Medications of note include those that treat seizures, sleeping problems, and anxiety! Avoiding interactions also means avoiding side effects with cetirizine!

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Fexofenadine

Fexofenadine is another great over-the-counter antihistamine. It handles seasonal allergies in both adults and children. This medication also treats itching and hives! It does this very well when the hives are chronic. Side effects of this medication include headaches, sore throat, and back pain. Two other common ones are a stuffy nose and sinus pain! Patients need to call their doctor immediately when they experience certain effects on this medication. They include fever, fatigue, chills, pain, or a new or worsening cough!

Patients cannot take this medication with anything other than water. They need to avoid juice with it, including grapefruit, apple, and orange juice! They need an empty stomach when they are taking the dissolvable tablets. Of course, certain patients still need to talk to their doctor about this medication first! This includes patients over sixty-five years old and those with kidney disease. Patients must also be careful about the other medications they take. Antacids interfere with the absorption of this one. Thus, they need to take them at least two hours apart! Patients need to review their current medications with their doctor before taking this antihistamine. Interactions exist! Examples include sleeping pills, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxers, and erythromycin.

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Loratadine

Loratadine is another incredibly common antihistamine. It treats many of the symptoms of allergies and the common cold! Runny noses, watery eyes, and sneezing will disappear quickly. It also gets rid of rashes. This medication is even a treatment for itchy skin and hives due to chronic skin issues! Of course, this medication causes side effects. Common ones include drowsiness, dry mouth, vomiting, and headaches. Stomach pain, anxiety, and hyperactivity are also common! Specific side effects mean that patients have to stop taking this medication immediately and call their doctor. Examples are lightheadedness, severe headaches, and a fast or irregular heartbeat!

Certain patients need to talk to their doctor or pharmacist before taking this antihistamine. This includes those with liver issues, asthma, or kidney conditions! Phenylketonuria patients need to do this too. The reason is that the chewable tablets often contain phenylalanine! Finally, patients who are allergic to desloratadine cannot take this one.

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Clemastine

Clemastine is another older antihistamine. It is a first-generation one, and it was first developed in the 1960s! Similar to the others, this one treats many allergies. This medication also has side effects! They include sleepiness, stomach pain, and dizziness. Patients need to call their doctor immediately if they experience changes in their balance. Older patients experience more side effects on this medication. Specifically, those who are sixty-five years old or older are at a higher risk! Women who are breastfeeding cannot take this one. Patients must also avoid drinking alcohol on this medication!

Patients have to review their current medications as well. Using linezolid or methylene blue means that patients have to ask their doctor about clemastine first! Their doctor has to make that it is safe. Taking some medications within the last two weeks is also an issue. Certain depression medications and medications for Parkinson's disease have been known to cause dangerous jumps in a patient's blood pressure when they take them along with this antihistamine!