Chemicals 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.
Nasal Agent
Nasal drugs are used to relieve congestion and treat allergies.
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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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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersHistamine 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.
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Reston Hospital Center answeredSee All 2 Answers
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.