We are taking the wrong medicine, not in the prescribed dose or for too short a time. Common problems associated with taking antihistamines dr. Monika Augustinovich otolaryngologist, allergist, doctor of the Buda Allergy Center summarized it.
We are not taking the right active ingredient
Allergic symptoms can be alleviated with antihistamines. A wide selection of preparations is available, many of which can be obtained by patients without a prescription. However, you should know that these products differ not only in their packaging, but also in their active ingredients. Thus, the one that works well for e.g. runny nose, itchy nose, is not the best choice for itchy allergic skin symptoms.
We do not care about drug interactions
A detailed list of the side effects of the various preparations is included in the patient information leaflet. Before prescribing or – in the case of over-the-counter preparations – purchasing medicines, always find out about this!
Some medications, such as antidepressants and certain antifungals, can interact with antihistamines.
Therefore, always inform the treating physician about other medicines you take regularly, because otherwise the medicines given together may change the breakdown of the other substance during their breakdown, their absorption and effect may change, or the effect may become prolonged.
We take less than prescribed
A common pitfall of taking antihistamines is that if taking the medicine has a drowsy effect, for example, patients tend to reduce their prescribed amount. Thus, their ability to perform will improve, but due to the reduced amount of the active ingredient, their allergy symptoms will intensify again.
We avoid it for fear of side effects
First-generation antihistamines actually have more common side effects—such as dry mouth, double vision, or urinary retention. However, in the case of newer preparations, side effects are expected to be considerably less. However, attention should be paid to the simultaneous consumption of alcohol, because the mild drowsiness side effect of certain types of second-generation antihistamines may increase when consumed together with alcohol.
We take it for too short a time
The duration of taking antihistamines always depends on the underlying cause. It can be taken for the symptoms of pollen allergy even throughout the pollen season. They are more effective when applied over the long term than when applied only during periods of high pollen concentration. The effect of the medication can be felt half an hour after taking it, but it usually takes 1-2 hours to achieve the best effect.
It is important to keep in mind that allergy symptoms are not always eliminated by the antihistamine alone. In the majority of cases, it is used in combination; based on the symptoms, it may be necessary to consider other medicines individually.
Source: Buda Allergy Center
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
