Antihistamines for Seasonal Allergy Relief
Antihistamines: Antihistamines are a type of allergy relief medications that are available in the form of pills, nasal spray or eye drops. Some antihistamines are sold over-the-counter while others can be obtained only with a prescription.
Examples of antihistamines: Diphenhdramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), brompheniramine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimetron), loratadine (Alavert), azelastin (Astelin nasal spray), and eye drops such as emedastine (Emadine) and levocarbastine (Livostin).
Antihistamines effectively block sneezing and itching but have little influence on allergen-induced congestion. Antihistamines work by preventing the histamine from producing different symptoms.
Side effects of antihistamines:
- They may cause drowsiness in some people.
- They may affect ability to drive or operate machines.
- Mouth and eyes may feel dry.
- They may cause abdominal pain and headaches in some people.
Antihistamines may interact with other drugs such as sleeping pills, sedatives and muscle relaxants causing excessive sedation.
Avoid antihistamines if you have health problems such as glaucoma, enlarged prostate gland, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, thyroid disease, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Decongestants: One of the symptoms of seasonal allergy is the congestion of nose and chest. This is because blood vessels in the membranes of the nose and air passage swell and become dilated. Decongestants help shrink the blood vessels and open up the air passages.
Examples of decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), xylometazoline (Otrivin nasal drops) and oxymetazoline (Nasivion nasal drops)
Over-the-counter decongestant nose sprays should be used only for 3 days since repetitive use may prove ineffective and may even worsen symptoms.
Side effects of decongestants:
- They may raise blood pressure.
- They may cause insomnia or irritability.
- They may restrict urinary flow.
Avoid decongestants if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma or if you are on diet pills.
Combination Remedies: Some seasonal allergy relief medication includes combinations of antihistamines and decongestants together in one pill.
Examples of combination allergy relief drugs: Chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine (Actifed), dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine (Drixoral), chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine (Novafed-A, Sudafed Plus), cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D), fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D).
However, to be on the safe side, consult your doctor before taking any antihistamines, decongestants or combination medication.
