Antihistamines – Allergy Medicine
By editor | July 22, 2007
The most popular medicines for allergies are antihistamines. As the name suggests, antihistamines counteract the swelling and other effects of histamine. They are very effective for keeping allergy symptoms from starting and for treating them when they do.
The most widely used antihistamines today are called H1 receptor antagonists and are available by prescription only. They are sometimes also called second-generation antihistamines because they have taken over from the older, first-generation antihistamines that used to cause drowsiness. HI receptor antagonists block the release of histamine and help reduce or prevent inflammation. They dry up runny noses, stop sneezing, and help prevent wheezing. Desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are the most commonly prescribed antihistamines and have been approved for children as young as tWo years of age. They’re also long-lasting, and some are available in syrups or dissolving tablets to make dosing easier for young children. Your doctor will choose which medication to prescribe, depending on your child’s age and symptoms.
In 2002, a formerly prescribed HI receptor antagonist antihistamine, loratadine (Claritin), became available as an over-the-counter medicine (OTC, or nonprescription). OTC antihistamines such as Actifed, Benadryl, or Tavist can relieve allergy symptoms but will probably make your child drowsy. It is best, therefore, to talk to a doctor before giving any OTC medicines to your child.
Tagged under:allegra allergy allergy symptoms antihistamines clarinex claritin desloratadine fexofenadine histamine loratadine receptor antagonists
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