Nasal Agent

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• QWhat are side effects of antihistamine nasal sprays?

  2 Answers

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  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  Side effects may include headaches, a sensation of burning in the nose, nosebleeds, sneezing, a bitter taste in the mouth, nose and throat inflammation, and coughing. Antihistamine nasal sprays can make it dangerous to drive or to operate machinery. 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.

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• QWhat are antihistamine nasal sprays?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  Antihistamine nasal sprays are usually recommended for people whose main symptom is nasal congestion. Some experts consider them as a second choice after either an oral antihistamine or corticosteroid nasal spray. The two antihistamine sprays available with a prescription in the US are azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase). Azelastine is also available combined with the corticosteroid fluticasone in a single spray product called Dymista.
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.

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• QDo oral antihistamines have side effects?

  3 Answers

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Oral antihistamines can help relieve environmental allergies, but like all drugs, they can have side effects. Certain antihistamines can make you very drowsy. Some antihistamines should not be given to children or older people. Unless you know how you will react, do not use antihistamines while driving or using heavy machinery. Check with your doctor to see if these medications are right for you.

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• QWhat should I know before taking oral antihistamines?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  If you have seizures, an enlarged prostate (BPH), bladder neck obstruction, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), angle-closure glaucoma, high blood pressure, or hyperthyroidism, an oral antihistamine may not be a good option for you.
  
  Oral antihistamines may not be a good option for women who are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are planning pregnancy. It is not known if they are safe for pregnant women.
  
  You should not take oral antihistamines if you are breastfeeding.
  
  If you take fexofenadine, you should avoid apple, grapefruit, and orange juice. 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. 

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• QWhat are oral antihistamines?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  Histamine is a chemical produced by the body. It is a normal part of the body's immune system and its defense against germs, such as bacteria and viruses. People with nasal allergies produce too much histamine in response to common irritants, such as pollen and mold. This causes the usual symptoms of runny nose and itchy eyes. An antihistamine is a drug that blocks the action of histamine.
   
  Many oral antihistamines (those taken by mouth) are available in the US. Newer ones include cetirizine (Zyrtec), desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and loratadine (Claritin). Some of these, such as desloratadine and levocetirizine, require a prescription. Others are available over the counter. Many other products combine an antihistamine with another drug such as a decongestant in a single pill. 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. 

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• QWhat are the side effects of nasal cromolyn?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  The most common side effects people taking nasal cromolyn experience are irritated nasal passages (burning or stinging sensation), red-tinted skin, more sneezing than before the medication, and sometimes headaches or stomachaches. Some people have problems with the dripping of mucous down the throat, cough occasionally, or have an unpleasant taste. It is important to contact a doctor if you have a rare but serious allergic reaction to the medication. An allergic reaction to nasal cromolyn would involve swelling in your face or facial features, difficulties breathing or wheezing, itchy skin that possibly has hives, and difficulty swallowing. Other rare but serious symptoms include nosebleeds and rashes. Call a doctor if you experience any side effect that is not going away or becomes severe.

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• QWhat should I know before taking cromolyn?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  It is not known if cromolyn is safe or effective for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
   
  If you have coronary artery disease or an abnormal heart rhythm, you should not use a cromolyn metered dose inhaler.
  
  If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or may be pregnant, cromolyn may not be a good option for you. It is not known if it is safe for pregnant women. 
  
  If you are breastfeeding, cromolyn may not be a good option for you. It is not known if this drug can be passed into breast milk. 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. 
• QHow effective is cromolyn nasal spray?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  Cromolyn can provide relief of nasal itching, sneezing, and runny nose, but is less effective for relieving nasal congestion. It can be used to prevent symptoms and as ongoing treatment of a nasal allergy. People who know they are going to be exposed to a particular allergen should use cromolyn in advance. Cromolyn is considered a good choice for children. 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. 
• QWhat should I know about nasal cromolyn before taking it?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  If you are breastfeeding, cromolyn nasal spray may not be a good option for you. It is not known if this drug can be passed into breast milk.
  
  Cromolyn nasal spray may not be a good option for you if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or may be pregnant. It is not known if it is safe for pregnant women. 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.