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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Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine may deal with seasonal allergies as well as hives. It seems to be quite helpful for itching due to chronic hives. Older patients may need to consult their doctor first. Those with kidney disease appear to need this consultation as well. This medication appears to be suitable for taking with water only, not even juice. The disintegrating tablets seem to require an empty stomach. Possible side effects may include back pain and headaches. It also seems that sinus pain, stuffy nose, and sore throat are common effects too. Individuals may want to call their doctor right away if they deal with fatigue, fever, chills, or a new or worsening cough. Pain may also require this call.
It seems that antacids may cause issues with the absorption of this medication. Thus, patients may want to wait at least two hours after taking them. There may also be some interactions with this antihistamine. Doctors appear to help patients avoid these if they have the chance to review the patient's medication list first. Some examples of possible interactions seem to include anticonvulsants, sleeping pills, and muscle relaxants.
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Loratadine
Loratadine may help get rid of some symptoms of allergies and the common cold. Examples of these symptoms seem to be hives, sneezing, and a runny nose. This medication may also reduce watery eyes and skin rashes. It may also help when hives appear due to a chronic skin condition. This antihistamine may trigger drowsiness. However, it may be less than in older medications. Common side effects also seem to include vomiting, dry mouth, and stomach pain. Patients may deal with headaches, anxiety, and hyperactivity too. Serious side effects may need patients to stop taking this medication immediately and call their doctor. Examples of them appear to be a fast or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, and a severe headache.
Some patients may need to ask their doctor about this medication first. This seems to be vital if they have a kidney condition, liver issue, or asthma. Phenylketonuria patients may need to do this as well. The reason appears to be that the chewable form of this medication may have phenylalanine in it. This medication seems to be unsafe for individuals with allergies to desloratadine.
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Clemastine
Clemastine appears to be an older medication as well. This medication may help patients with allergies. However, it seems as if older patients are at a higher risk of side effects. The higher-risk patients may be those over sixty years old. The possible side effects may include dizziness, stomach pain, and sleepiness. Balance changes do not seem to be common, but patients may want to call their doctor right away if they happen.
Some individuals may need to speak to their doctor before taking this antihistamine. Examples may be breastfeeding women and patients taking methylene blue or linezolid. Doctors should have time to determine if this antihistamine is safe for these patients. Some medications also seem to interact with this one, so doctors should know about what patients are already taking. Interactions may exist with depression medications and some medications for Parkinson's disease. The interact may trigger dangerous increases in a patient's blood pressure. Finally, patients may need to avoid drinking alcohol while they are on this antihistamine.
