Antihistamines work by counteracting histamines, thus reducing the inflammation and irritation caused by histamines. They tend to do the trick, but can have side effects, such as dry nasal cavities, drowsiness and other undesirable conditions.
Nasal Agent
Nasal drugs are used to relieve congestion and treat allergies.
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See All 2 AnswersOver-the-counter decongestants may be helpful in treating the stuffy noses that often go along with allergies. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are common oral over-the-counter decongestants. Some asthma medications can also be used to treat allergies, but they are generally not as effective as nasal steroids or antihistamines.
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See All 2 AnswersChemicals called histamines are released from some of your body's defense cells, called mast cells. If you suffer from allergies, when you are exposed to these triggers, histamines are released, which cause runny nose, hives, itchiness, etc. Antihistamines are medications that block the histamine chemicals in your body and reduce your allergy and sinus symptoms.
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You can overdose on Benadryl by not following the dosing instructions, says Daniel Allen, DO, from West Valley Medical Group - Middleton. In this video, he says taking too much Benadryl can make you feel sleepy and not clear headed.
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersSide 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.
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersAntihistamine 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.
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Reston Hospital Center answeredSee All 3 AnswersOral 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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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersIf 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.
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