BEFORE BUYING ANTIHISTAMINES

Before You Buy Antihistamines
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated January 08, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Find out everything you need to know about antihistamines. What symptoms they treat, who should take them and who should not.
Check your symptoms

Antihistamines treat:

    * sneezing
    * runny nose
    * watery eyes

    * itchiness
    * scratchy throat

    * Symptoms of Common Cold
    * Symptoms of the Flu

Frequency and Duration for Antihistamines

There are prescription and non-prescription antihistamines. They can last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours. Over the counter antihistamines used for occasional cold symptoms usually need to be taken every 4-6 hours.

Length of Use for Antihistamines

You should not take an over the counter antihistamine for more than 7 days before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms last longer than 7 days, you may have developed something more serious.
Important things to tell your doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following before taking an antihistamine:

    * asthma or chronic bronchitis
    * high blood pressure
    * glaucoma
    * liver disease
    * kidney disease or difficulty urinating
    * prostate problems
    * ulcers or other stomach problems
    * other chronic illnesses
    * pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
    * ALL medications you are taking, including herbal supplements

Common Antihistamines

Some common names for antihistamines are:
Over the counter

    * Benadryl - diphenhydramine (generic)
    * Claritin - loratidine (generic)
    * Zyrtec - ceterizine (generic)
    * Triaminic - chlorpheniramine (generic) - for children

Prescription

    * Allegra - fexofenadine (generic)

MY THOUGHTS

i must be weird. i love antihistamines.  especially benadryl.  makes me fall asleep in a jiffy.