Allergic symptoms can be alleviated with antihistamines. However, it does not matter what kind of preparation we take. You can choose a local or general medicine, some preparations are more suitable for treating hay fever, others for itchy skin symptoms. We can expect the best results if, under medical supervision, we use personalized therapy, which may even mean a combination of several drugs.
First and second generation preparations
Antihistamines are classified into two groups, he explains dr. Monika Augustinovich allergist, otolaryngologist, doctor of the Buda Allergy Center. First-generation, or sedative, antihistamines have a drowsy effect and more often cause side effects, such as dry mouth, double vision, urinary retention, than second-generation, non-sedative preparations. However, it doesn’t hurt to be careful with these, especially when driving, because a slight drowsy effect can also occur with certain types of second-generation antihistamines. When consumed together with alcohol, the side effects increase.
Active ingredients and their effect
Preparations containing antihistamines are marketed under several brand names, but their use mainly depends not on this, but on their active ingredient content and symptoms. Tablets, drops and eye drops, as well as nasal sprays and gels are available depending on the patient’s age and complaints. Appropriate preparations can be used safely in young children and in some cases also in expectant mothers. Dr. Monika Augusztinovicz, citing a few common examples, he said that in the case of hayfever symptoms, the second-generation preparations were more effective, since fatigue occurs less with them.
However, in the case of hives, the slightly sedative side effect of the first-generation drugs is useful. If the patient’s main complaint is nasal congestion, preparations containing desloratadine and fexofenadine and levocetirizine reduce the symptom, but in this case other additional treatment is also necessary. Antihistamines mainly reduce sneezing, runny nose, tearing, and itchy throat and eyes. The soporific effect of the first generation preparations can be used mostly in cases involving skin itching.
Interactions with other drugs
Antihistamines can only be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding on the basis of a doctor’s consultation. and there are some diseases in which their use also requires caution. These include prostate enlargement or glaucoma. A detailed list of these 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!
It is also important that certain medications, such as antidepressants and some 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.
It can even be taken throughout the season
The duration of taking antihistamines always depends on the underlying cause. HWe take it for the symptoms of pollen allergy, then we can even take it throughout the pollen season. in fact, they are more effective when applied in 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.
What should we do if it doesn’t work?
If you have allergy symptoms despite taking antihistamines, there may be several reasons. The most common that we did not choose the right active ingredient for us, or in the given case, a combination of several partially prescription drugs is required – this usually occurs when taking products purchased without a prior medical examination – or we do not follow the optimal dosage.
“If taking the medicine has a drowsy effect, patients tend to reduce the prescribed amount in order to improve their ability to perform, but it is not expected that their symptoms will disappear even with the reduced amount of the active ingredient. If a preparation does not work, it is worth consulting an allergist. Today, the selection of products for treating hay fever symptoms is so wide that we can find the right product for everyone. There is an alternative to antihistamines: the Rhinolight treatment is also suitable for expectant mothers, and allergen immunotherapy is a solution for those looking for a long-term solution.”
Source: Allergy Center
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