A 41-year-old member asked:
is there an antihistamine cream?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Michael Zacharisenanswered
Allergy and Immunology 33 years experience
Yes, but avoid: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) cream is available. While some people find temporary relief for insect bites with this, in general it is not very effective compared to other antihistamines taken as pills or tabs. For generalized rash, it really doesn't make sense.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 30-year-old member asked:
Is there an over-the-counter antihistamine medication available to treat poison oak?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barbara Stark Baxteranswered
Allergy and Immunology 42 years experience
Steroids needed: If you have a significant case of poison oak, antihistamines are unlikely to faze the itching. You probably need oral steroids. You can certainly try oral antihistamines and topical steroids like cortisone 10, but these rarely control the severe itch of even a moderate case. Better see your doctor for stronger stuff. Most cases last about 3 weeks.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 38-year-old member asked:
What is the difference between first and second-generation antihistamines?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stephen Kimuraanswered
Allergy and Immunology 35 years experience
Side effects: The second generation antihistamines were developed to try and decrease the side effects of the first generations. Many are "purified" first generation antihistamines so they have the active effects without the side effects of drowsiness, sedation, dry mouth etc. They also tend to have longer half lives, meaning they can be taken once or twice a day not every 4 hours.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 39-year-old member asked:
Are there any prescription antihistamines?
2 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alex Martinezanswered
Specializes in Allergy
A few: Antihistamines have been around for many years & many that used to be prescription are now available over-the-counter. A few antihistamines are still prescription, including some first-generation (sedating) medicines like periactin or palgic as well as second-generation (less-sedating) medicines like xyzal (levocetirizine) and clarinex.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Maziar Rezvani commented
Allergy and Immunology 21 years experience
Hydroxyzine is still prescription as well
Nov 23, 2011
A Verified Doctor commented
A US doctor answered Learn more
Many prescription medications have antihistamine properties. Talk to your personal physician about which medications are right for you.
Jan 1, 2012
CA
A 34-year-old member asked:
What is the highest dosage of antihistamine that one person can take at one time?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael P Vaughnanswered
Allergy and Immunology 34 years experience
Antihistamines: Safety of high dose medications is often unknown. Our experience comes from case reports of persons who intentionally or accidentally consumed unusually excessive quantities. When Claritin (loratadine) was first investigated, safety studies were done at 40 mg (4 times the current recommended dose). We take 10 mg because effectiveness is not significantly different between 10 mg and 40mg.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
What is the best time to take an antihistamine?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Satinder Aggarwalanswered
Internal Medicine 49 years experience
Any time: You can take antihistamines any time of the day.Take them same time of day everyday.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Dec 6, 2017
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