Question 1

is it bad to take an antihistamine during a cold, i.e. does suppressing mucus make the cold last longer?

Accepted Answer

No value: Antihistamines have no value in the treatment of viral illnesses.

Question 2

what is the best otc antihistamine?

Accepted Answer

OTC antihistamines: The second generation zyrtec, allergra or Claritin (loratadine) are comparative. None are perfect. Zyrtec is slightly more likely to make you tired ot sleepy. Often one works a little better than another and i adise you to test all three.

Question 3

is antihistamine harmful to the body?

Accepted Answer

No: Antihistamines are a class of medication used since the 1940s.  They are used to treat allergic conditions and are very safe.  The newer generation antihistamines have even less side effects compared to first generation or old antihistamines.

Question 4

when should you take an antihistamine?

Accepted Answer

For allergies: Antihistamines help the most with sneezing, watery drainage, and itching which are often seen with allergies. Older antihistamines (like benadryl) can make people sleepy and should be used with caution; newer antihistamines (like Claritin (loratadine) & allegra) are less likely to be sedating. Because of their drying effect, some doctors recommend avoiding antihistamines during a respiratory infection.

Question 5

what are the common uses of antihistamine?

Accepted Answer

Antihistamine 4 itch: Antihistamines (ah) block histamine receptors and stop histamine from causing itching and swelling. They are mainly used to treat allergies and hives. Some are sedating; those are used as sleep aids. Many otc sleep meds contain Diphenhydramine (benadryl).

Question 6

what is the best time to take an antihistamine?

Accepted Answer

Any time: You can take antihistamines any time of the day.Take them same time of day everyday.

Question 7

why young people more sensitive to antihistamine?

Accepted Answer

Not true: Everyone reacts to medications differently although the differences may be minor in most cases. There is no study showing that young people are more sensitive to antihistamine, especially the newer ones.

Question 8

can i die by taking too many antihistamine tablets?

Accepted Answer

Taking lethal over: Dose would do that.  Lethal overdoses of antihistamines are rare. Are you considering taking an overdose of antihistamines? If so, please get help right away. You can use national suicide hotlines 24/7 at 1-800-suicide (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273 – talk (1-800-273-8255). If you have accidentally taken too many antihistamines please contact 1-800-222-1222 (poison control hotline). Take care.

Question 9

what is the safest antihistamine for long term use?

Accepted Answer

New generation ones: Antihistamines in general are very safe.  New generation products (Zyrtec, Claritin, (loratadine) Allegra, Xyzal) are just as effective with less side effects than older antihistamines (Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, hydroxyzine).  However, it would be important to address WHY a person needs to take antihistamines long term? Consult with an allergist to assist in identifying the cause of symptoms.

Question 10

is there an herb which can be used as an antihistamine?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Butterbur has antihistamine-like effects. It can be found at health food stores.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Non drying antihistamine

A member asked:

Is it bad to take an antihistamine during a cold, i.e. does suppressing mucus make the cold last longer?

A member asked:

What is the best otc antihistamine?

A member asked:

Is antihistamine harmful to the body?

A member asked:

When should you take an antihistamine?

A member asked:

What are the common uses of antihistamine?

A member asked:

What is the best time to take an antihistamine?

A member asked:

Why young people more sensitive to antihistamine?

A member asked:

Can i die by taking too many antihistamine tablets?

A member asked:

What is the safest antihistamine for long term use?

A member asked:

Is there an herb which can be used as an antihistamine?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?