Question 1

what are the best allergy drugs that are available over the counter?

Accepted Answer

3 major ones: Non-sedating are loratidine (claritin), fexofendadine (allegra) and cetirizine (zyrtec).  Diphenhydramine is very effective as well but is sedating.

Question 2

ho can i prevent my allergy drug from making me sleepy?

Accepted Answer

Easy answer?: The easy answer would be not to take it, cure your allergy, or pass your allergy on to someone else- none of those options seem good, huh?  Well, how about timing? Take your medication at a time where you may not care if you're sleepy like just before bedtime or the National Republican Convention. How about talking to your doc about reducing the dose or switching to non-drowsy formulation or agent

Question 3

with allergy drugs such as astemizole, how about claritin (loratadine)?

Accepted Answer

Claritin (loratadine) vs Hismanal: Astemizole  (hismanal) was a popular, non sedating, once a day antihistamine for allergy symptoms like runny, itchy nose, itchy eyes, sneezing etc. In some people, however it caused abnormal heart rhythm . So it was taken off the market. Seldane was another antihistamine with similar side effect.  Claritin, (loratadine) Allegra and zyrtec  are relatively safe.

Question 4

with allergy drugs such as astemizole can i take claritin (loratadine)?

Accepted Answer

Combine astemizole: Generally you don't need to but occasionally you can safely combine them for flareups.

Question 5

with allergy drugs such as astemizole or terfenadine, how about taking claritin (loratadine)?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Astemizole is not available in the U.S.

The other two are now over the counter medications for seasonal allergies.

Consult your doc if you think you have seasonal allergies.

Question 6

what are good allergy prescription drugs that are available over the counter?

Accepted Answer

Many: I prefer allegra, (fexofenadine) it is non drowsy and once a day. There is also zyrtec that you should take in the evening as it makes some people tired.

Question 7

can an allergy to a drug start 6-8 months after starting it long term?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Allergy may start at any time.

Question 8

what's a drug allergy like?

Accepted Answer

Much more than U ask: There are 4 different types of medication allergy and also there are side effect reactions. Type 1- allergic type. Hives, itching, sneezing,  wheezing and shock are different forms of this allergy.Type 2-complement related angioedema, swelling type 3 is immune complexes. That is clumps of antibodies with the drug which clog small capilaries in kidneys, joints, skin 
type 4 is cell-contact dernatiti.

Question 9

are drug allergies inheritable?

Accepted Answer

The tendancy is.: Patients with drug allergies are more likely than those without to have drug allergies.  There probably is a genetic factor, but the gene has not been isolated.

Question 10

how are drug allergies treated usually?

Accepted Answer

See below: It depends on the severity of the reaction. Certainly removal of the offending drug is the first step. Then medication to help with itching or hives, an antihistamine maybe needed. Also, steroids are some times used. And in severe cases, hospitalization maybe indicated.

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Doctor answers about:

Allergies drugs

A member asked:

What are the best allergy drugs that are available over the counter?

A member asked:

Ho can i prevent my allergy drug from making me sleepy?

A member asked:

With allergy drugs such as astemizole, how about claritin (loratadine)?

A member asked:

With allergy drugs such as astemizole can i take claritin (loratadine)?

A member asked:

With allergy drugs such as astemizole or terfenadine, how about taking claritin (loratadine)?

A member asked:

What are good allergy prescription drugs that are available over the counter?

A member asked:

Can an allergy to a drug start 6-8 months after starting it long term?

A member asked:

What's a drug allergy like?

A member asked:

Are drug allergies inheritable?

A member asked:

How are drug allergies treated usually?

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