Antihistamine

Antihistamine Overview

If you or your friend are prone to allergies, then you might be familiar with anti-allergen drugs. A single pill from these drugs vanishes the symptoms and cures mild allergy attacks in no time. All these drugs have an active ingredient call Antihistamine.

There are many different medications to get relief from allergy attacks. Patients usually take antihistamines as a simple, safe, over-the-counter medication that can relieve sneezing, nasal irritation, or hives. They are pretty effective against seasonal allergies.

Which Seasonal Allergies Antihistamine Treats

This miracle drug cures all sorts of seasonal allergies ranging from:

• Dust allergy
• Pollen allergy
• Dust mite allergy
• Dander allergy
• And animal allergy

From this list, it is evident that it works on mostly airborne allergies, but it is also a useful option to cure a food allergy. Some doctors prescribe it if you are suffering from a skin allergy. But it is considered the most effective against seasonal allergies, like the ones mentioned above. 

Antihistamine is also taken by people who are not usually allergic but are experiencing some allergic symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Watery eyes
• Itchy skin
• Runny nose
• Constant sneezing

Remember that it cannot cure every symptom, and inhalers are preferred for nasal congestion because it is not cured by ingesting antihistamine. If you are experiencing shortness of breath and some other severe symptom, then it is advised to rush to the local Hospital and stay away from self-medication.

How Antihistamine Works

When an allergen enters your body, i.e., pollen or dust – your body interprets it as a foreign substance and produces histamine protein. This protein causes the symptoms of an allergic attack. Your body is trying to help you from these “invaders,” but little did our body knows that it is actually harming us.

Antihistamine works by diminishing this protein from the bloodstream, and ultimately your symptoms stop.

Its effectiveness makes it perfect for seasonal allergies.

When Is It Safe To Take Antihistamine?

Many people are concerned about whether it is safe for their children to eat antihistamine to prevent allergic symptoms. For most people, antihistamines are generally considered safe.  That includes teenagers, kids over two, and seniors.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, question the doctor if antihistamines are appropriate for you. If you are suffering from any underlying disease, then it is also preferable to contact your doctor for advice.

Normally, the antihistamine is taken by mouth. This medicine comes in pills, packets, chewable pills, and liquids. A lot of people buy them at a store over the counter (OTC). You may also receive them from your doctor with a prescription. They come in a variety of shapes, so it is easy for all age groups to consume.

Is It Safe To Take Antihistamine With Other Prescription Drugs?

No, if you are prescribed with some other medicine, particularly an antibiotic, it is not safe to take antihistamines. If you are suffering from a seasonal allergy, then ask your doctor to recommend an alternative drug. Consuming antihistamine is not a smart choice to make.

There are some other medicines that you shouldn’t consume with this anti-allergen, and these are:

• Antibiotic
• Medicines used to treat fungal infections.
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Blood pressure medications
• Beta-Blockers
• Calcium channel blockers

All of these are drug types that should not be consumed with antihistamine in any condition. Always as a physician for advice.

Side Effects Of Antihistamine

Side effects of antihistamine range from mild to severe. These symptoms should be taken seriously, and the moment you experience them, you should contact your doctor or a pharmacist.

Following are mild symptoms of antihistamine:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Trouble Sleeping
• Confusion or Hallucination
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty urinating

These symptoms are not troublesome, and if you experience them, there is nothing to be feared and should just contact your pharmacist to ask if there Is an emergency or not and what steps to make to stop the symptoms.

An allergic reaction to this drug is rare but can occur. Following are the severe side effects of this drug:

• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing
• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling of throat, tongue or face

These symptoms can be lethal, and we advise you to contact emergency services as soon as possible if you feel these symptoms. Even if you feel that it’s a false alarm calling emergency center will help you clear your doubts.

Dosage

As it is very hard o overdose on this drug, some people take this drug once they started feeling an allergic attack is heading their way. Some people are suffering from cute allergies and take them daily once or twice a day.

People sometimes take them before they become exposed to something they’re allergic to. That may involve seasonal allergies triggered by an insect, dirt, or any other aggravating factors. But you cannot take this miracle drug and start eating food you are allergic too. The food will still show an allergic reaction.

Overdosage

It is hard to overdose a medicinal drug, like an antihistamine, because only a single tablet is required to cure the symptoms. However, if you have overdosed on this medicine you may have the following symptoms:

• Severe dizziness
• Trouble standing
• Trouble Breathing
• Passing out
• And even a seizure attack can occur

If your friend has any of these symptoms, you need to call the emergency helpline and local poison center. It is essential to listen to every single step that they are telling you to save a life. Overdosage is a serious matter and shouldn’t occur.

Conclusion

Antihistamine is a drug that cures almost every allergic symptoms and provides immunity against allergens, especially from seasonal allergies. It is a safe drug to consume, and everyone can consume it in a controlled amount only if required.

Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (June 16, 2020)

Medically Reviewed By

I have reviewed the articles on seasonalallergies.org and I would like to say that I was very surprised.
Over years, I have seen many different articles in the field of allergy, but these articles were very interesting.
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Looking for more treatment options? Find a full list of other seasonal allergy treatment options here.

Last Updated on July 5, 2023