What Are Some Common Over-The-Counter Antihistamines?

Individuals may need to take over-the-counter antihistamines for several issues. It seems that they can choose between tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops for this type of medication. These medications may only be used as directed to avoid possible side effects. However, patients taking the newer antihistamines appear to deal with fewer negative effects. Patients may only take these medications for short-term treatment. Their doctor may need to prescribe them a stronger medication for persistent issues.

Patients may take this type of medication for seasonal allergies treatment. Antihistamines also appear to help as an allergic rhinitis treatment. They may even need an antihistamine for hives. Most patients seem to want a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day. However, they also should consider assessing all of the various OTC antihistamines before making a choice.

Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine appears to be a first-generation antihistamine. Thus, it should help patients relieve symptoms connected to allergies and hay fever. It may also help with the common cold. Some patients seem to take it for motion sickness and Parkinson's disease symptoms. However, since it is an older medication, it may trigger drowsiness. This appears to be part of the reason why patients may find it in over-the-counter sleep aids. Other side effects seem to include headaches, dizziness, and poor coordination. It may also result in confusion and low blood pressure. Heart palpitations also appear to be a possible side effect.

Doctors do not seem to recommend this medication for children under two years old. This medication also seems to require patients to be careful when driving and maybe even avoid driving. Patients may also want to avoid drinking alcohol with this medication. It appears to increase their drowsiness and dizziness if they do. Certain individuals may need to talk to their doctor before taking this medication. This seems to include those with a history of kidney, thyroid, or liver issues. Patients with glaucoma, heart disease, and low blood pressure may also be among those who have to ask first.

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Cetirizine

Cetirizine seems to help treat hay fever. It may also work on individuals with allergies to mold, dust mites, and animal dander. This medication appears to help redness and itching from hives. Patients may be able to take this medication as a liquid or as one of three different tablets. The tablets seem to include regular, extended-release, and chewable ones. This medication may cause several side effects. Common ones appear to be dry mouth and stomach pain. Drowsiness may also set in. Diarrhea and vomiting seem to occur in some patients on this medication too. If these side effects are persistent or severe, patients may need to call their doctor. Rare side effects of this medication seem to be breathing issues and swallowing problems. They may merit an immediate call to a doctor.

Kidney and liver disease patients may need to talk to their doctor before taking this medication. Pregnant women should consider doing this as well. Patients with certain allergies should not take this medication. There seems to be several potential interactions with this medication. Thus, patients may wish to review their current medications with a doctor first. Ones of note appear to be medications for sleeping issues and seizures. Anxiety medications may also be included here.

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