May 22, 2025 | An allergy is an immune reaction to substances, or allergens, that are usually not harmful. In someone with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, the immune system launches a response. Chemicals such as histamines are released. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms. One type of medicine that helps relieve allergy symptoms is an antihistamine. Antihistamines are medicines that treat allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine. Depending on your symptoms, you make take an antihistamine every day or only when you have symptoms. Some people take an antihistamine before being exposed to something that causes allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants. For many people with allergies, their symptoms are the worst around four a.m. to six a.m. Taking an antihistamine at bedtime may help you or your child feel better in the morning during allergy season.

May 22, 2025 | Antihistamines are medicines that treat allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine. Antihistamines come as pills, chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops. There are also injectable forms used mainly in health care settings. Some work for only four to six hours, while others last for 12 to 24 hours. Some are combined with a decongestant, a medicine that dries up your nasal passages. Some antihistamines cause less sleepiness than others. These include cetirizine, known commercially as Zyrtec, desloratadine, or Clarinex, fexofenadine, or Allegra, levocetirizine, or Xyzal, and loratadine, or Claritin. Ask your doctor what type of antihistamine and what exact dosage is right for you or your child. Make sure you understand how much to use and how many times a day to use it. Be sure to read the label carefully and don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist or physician if you have questions.

May 22, 2025 | Most antihistamines are over-the-counter medications, but they also come in prescription form. Antihistamines are also common ingredients in cold and flu products, decongestants, cough suppressants and pain relievers. Antihistamines are designed to treat a variety of allergy symptoms. Everything from congestion, a runny nose, sneezing and itching to itchy, runny eyes and swelling of the nasal passages can be relieved by taking an antihistamine. They can also be taken to relieve pain and itching related to insect bites or stings. Treating these symptoms can help you or your child to feel better during the day and to sleep better at night. However, there are certain protective steps you should take when using this kind of medication. Do not drink alcohol when you are taking antihistamines. Be sure to store antihistamines at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Do not freeze antihistamines and keep them out of the reach of children.

May 22, 2025 | There are many types of antihistamines, and each one is different. Make sure to carefully read the label and information for directions that come with the medication. Or follow your pharmacist’s or physician’s instructions. Before taking an antihistamine, you should know exactly how to take it. You may need to take the medication with food or water. If it’s in the form of eye drops, cream or a nasal spray, you’ll need to know how to apply it correctly. Proper doses vary depending on the type of medication, your age and your weight. The number of pills or eye drops, for example, varies, as well. The packaging will have information on what time of day and how often you can take it. For example, you need to take some types of antihistamines before you go to bed. Some you only take once a day. Others, you can take more than once a day. You can take some types of antihistamines long term but others are only for short-term use.

May 22, 2025 | Before taking an antihistamine, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about which one is safe for you or your child and what side effects to watch for. Antihistamines can cause changes in vision, constipation and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or a dry mouth, you should discontinue the use of the antihistamine until you speak with a medical professional. If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, ask your physician if taking an antihistamine is safe for you. Adults who take antihistamines should know how the medicine affects them before driving or using machinery. If your child is taking antihistamines, make sure the medicine is not affecting their ability to learn. An overdose can happen if you or your child take too much of an antihistamine. If you or your child experience intense drowsiness, a fast heart rate or seizures, call 911 or get to the emergency room as soon as possible. A severe antihistamine overdose can be fatal if not treated.