Antihistamines
Important Details about Antihistamines
How do antihistamines work?
You can take antihistamine medications to address allergies. Reactions to allergens are frequent. Antihistamines function by preventing your body from experiencing the effects of a chemical known as histamine.
What is the purpose of antihistamines?
Antihistamines can be taken to prevent or treat the following conditions: An allergy to grass or tree pollens is typically the cause of seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, which cause symptoms in the same month or season every year. Perennial allergies, on the other hand, cause symptoms to occur year-round and can include allergies to house dust mites, mold, or pet hair, allergic conjunctivitis hives (urticaria), allergic reactions to insect bites or stings, and known food allergies. Antihistamines should not be used to treat psoriasis or eczema, as these rashes are not histamine-related. Additionally, some antihistamines (only sedating antihistamines) can be taken to assist treat insomnia in the short term.
Which kinds of antihistamines could I be prescribed?
Antihistamines come in a variety of formats, including pills, eye drops, and nasal (nose) sprays. Whichever symptoms bother you the most will determine which is the best for you. Consult your physician or pharmacist about the best course of action for you. There are primarily two kinds of antihistamines that are used orally: The following first-generation (sedating) antihistamines can induce drowsiness: promethazine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, and extchlorpheniramine. For the short term, doxylamine and diphenhydramine are used to alleviate insomnia. Cetirizine, Desloratadine, Fexofenadine, Loratadine, and Bilastine are examples of second generation (less sedating) antihistamines that often don’t make you feel sleepy.
The majority of antihistamines are sold without a prescription in pharmacies in India. If you believe you may need to take an antihistamine, you should speak with your pharmacist. They can assist you in selecting an antihistamine that is appropriate for your condition. In addition, if you take any other medications or are pregnant, your pharmacist can determine whether taking the antihistamine is safe for you.
How do antihistamines function?
Allergies or allergic reactions happen when your body misinterprets an innocuous substance in your surroundings (such pollen, pet hair, or house dust mites) as a threat and releases histamine in response. Your skin swells and your blood vessels enlarge as a result of histamine. Allergy symptoms including runny nose, wet eyes, rash, and sneezing are brought on by this. By preventing histamine’s activities, antihistamines aid in the prevention or treatment of your symptoms.
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Are there any risks or negative effects with antihistamines?
Droopiness and issues with coordination are common side effects of first generation (sedating) antihistamines. The majority of people do not have adverse reactions to second-generation, non-sedating antihistamines. Aside from these, less frequent side effects include rash, tiredness, headaches, and sleeplessness. When using machinery, particularly a car, after taking antihistamines, exercise caution. Certain individuals may feel sleepy even after taking non-sedating antihistamines.
First-generation antihistamines are sedatives with anticholinergic qualities. Constipation, impaired vision, and dry mouth are some of the possible adverse effects of this. Numerous published researches indicate anticholinergic medications may raise the risk of dementia, particularly in individuals 65 years of age and older. Consult your physician or pharmacist about the dangers of first-generation, sedative antihistamines before using them.
Children under six years old should not be treated for cough, cold, or flu symptoms with first-generation (sedating) antihistamines. For whatever reason, you should never provide first-generation (sedating) antihistamines to children younger than two years old. This comprises over-the-counter (OTC) first-generation antihistamine medications. It is highly discouraged and potentially dangerous to use first-generation antihistamines for sleep and behavioural issues in children and teenagers.
When should I visit my physician?
Before using an antihistamine, see a pharmacist or doctor if you have any of the following conditions: kidney or liver disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding, prostate issues, See your doctor if you suspect a food allergy or sensitivity before starting an antihistamine or cutting out a specific food from your diet.
Exist substitutes for antihistamines?
There are alternatives, and your doctor will advise you on one based on the condition being treated. For instance, using steroid nasal spray in place of or in addition to antihistamines may be beneficial if you have allergic rhinitis. A nasal spray with both steroids and antihistamines can be obtained with a prescription. Take sodium cromoglycate drops instead of or in addition to antihistamine eye drops if you have allergic conjunctivitis. You can choose an alternative remedy for your symptoms with the assistance of your doctor or pharmacist.
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