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How Do Allergy Pills Work

What Is Anaphylactic Shock

How do allergy medications work?

Anaphylactic shock, also called anaphylaxis, is a severe, life-threatening reaction to certain allergens. Body tissues may swell, including tissues in the throat. Anaphylactic shock is also characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure. The following are the most common symptoms of anaphylactic shock. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Other symptoms may include:

  • Itching and hives over most of the body

  • Feeling warm

  • Swelling of the throat and tongue or tightness in throat

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Dizziness

Best Treatment To Manage Allergies Long Term

Immunotherapy is a great option for anyone who suffers from severe allergy symptoms, especially for those with year-round allergies. Immunotherapy works by exposing you to gradually increasing levels of an allergen to help your immune system slowly build a tolerance, relieving allergy symptoms and even preventing new allergies from developing.

Allergy shots are one form of immunotherapy that require frequent office visits to be administered by a doctor. Allergy drops are a revolutionary form of immunotherapy that can be taken under the tongue from home each day to relieve allergy symptoms long term. Both allergy shots and allergy drops can be prescribed by a doctor after specific allergies are determined by an allergy test. This is a long term approach to allergy relief and management, with most patients taking allergy shots or drops for a period of three to five years.

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How Do I Safely Take Otc Antihistamines

Read the directions on the label before taking any medicine. Learn how much to take and how often you should take it. If you have any questions about how much medicine to take, call your family doctor or pharmacist. Keep track of which OTC medicines you are using and when you take them. If you need to go to the doctor, take the list with you.

Follow these tips to make sure you are taking the right amount of medicine:

  • Take only the amount recommended on the medicines label. Dont assume that more medicine will work better or quicker. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
  • Mixing medicines can be dangerous. If you take a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if its okay to also take an OTC antihistamine.
  • Dont use more than 1 OTC antihistamine at a time unless your doctor says its okay. They may have similar active ingredients that add up to be too much medicine.

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Can You Take Antihistamines When Pregnant

Drug companies are naturally pretty reluctant to go around testing medicines on pregnant or breast-feeding women, so there aren’t any studies to guide them. They tend to advise against to be on the safe side, although there is no evidence they cause a problem. Discuss this with your doctor who will talk you through the options. If the benefits of treatment are thought to outweigh any possible risks, the one usually advised is loratadine.

How Do I Know Which Antihistamine To Take

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Because there are so many antihistamine products, both over-the-counter and prescription, and because they are used to treat so many different conditions, you may need help figuring out which medication to take. For minor ailments, you can probably take over-the-counter products. You can read the package labeling and match your symptoms to the labeled symptoms. Also, never hesitate to ask the pharmacist. They are highly schooled in the actions and effects and side effects of drugs. You may need to try different antihistamines to find the best medication to manage your symptoms.

If you need a prescription antihistamine, you and your healthcare provider will work together to figure out what medication will be best for you. Many drugs interact with antihistamines, so your healthcare provider will want to know what medical conditions you have and medications you are currently taking. They will also want to know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Some antihistamines are not recommended in pregnancy because they may cause birth defects in very high doses. Antihistamines can pass into breast milk, so you should consult with your healthcare provider before using antihistamines if you are breastfeeding.

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Benefits Of Antihistamines For Allergies

Because antihistamines prevent the release of histamine, they dry up the excess fluids that lead to excessive tearing and a runny nose. Most antihistamines also include compounds that reduce the itching and irritation that can make your eyes feel as if they have sand in them. They inhibit the urge to sneeze and can also minimize irritation in the throat that leads to coughing.

Antihistamine medications should be taken once a day and will last for a full 24 hours. They have minimal side effects and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. There are many different types of antihistamines on the market. The top four include:

  • Zyrtec® – Zyrtec , comes in both pill form and liquid capsule. It’s used to treat upper respiratory allergies but is also effective for skin rashes and hives. It offers quick relief with few side effects or drug interactions.
  • Claritin® – Claritin is a popular allergy medication because it can be taken safely by both adults and children. It comes in pill form and is used to treat seasonal allergies, skin rashes, and hives. It offers few side effects and can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription.
  • Allegra®

Remember that generics work just as well as brand-names. It’s important that you read labels carefully so you only by the products that address your particular symptoms. If you have questions, always speak to your doctor or a specialist before you buy a particular product.

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Suffer From Hay Fever

  • Difficulty passing urine .
  • Stomach and gut upsets .

For a full list of all the side-effects and possible interactions associated with your medicine, consult the leaflet that comes with your medication.

How to use the Yellow Card Scheme

If you think you have had a side-effect to one of your medicines you can report this on the Yellow Card Scheme. You can do this online at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

The Yellow Card Scheme is used to make pharmacists, doctors and nurses aware of any new side-effects that medicines or any other healthcare products may have caused. If you wish to report a side-effect, you will need to provide basic information about:

  • The side-effect.
  • The name of the medicine which you think caused it.
  • The person who had the side-effect.
  • Your contact details as the reporter of the side-effect.

It is helpful if you have your medication – and/or the leaflet that came with it – with you while you fill out the report.

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How Effective Are They

Usually it is possible to find an antihistamine which keeps your symptoms controlled. Sometimes you may need to experiment and try more than one to find the one that works best for you. For hay fever, sometimes if the antihistamine tablet isn’t enough by itself, you may need eye drops and/or a nasal spray as well to completely sort out all your symptoms.

Antihistamines are generally more effective when taken constantly rather than intermittently. This is particularly applicable for people with hay fever . In the summer months the pollen count is generally higher and you may be in contact with the allergen on a regular basis. Taking the medication regularly may help keep your symptoms under control. Their effectiveness will also depend on the dose you take and what form the medicine is given in.

What Side Effects Are Possible With This Medication

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Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

  • dizziness
  • sleepiness
  • trouble sleeping

Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

  • eye pain or swelling
  • behaviour changes
  • blurred vision
  • hallucination
  • new rash or itching after stopping the medication
  • restlessness with increased body movement
  • signs of liver problems

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

  • signs of a serious allergic reaction
  • signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort

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Best For Treating Itching And Nasal Allergy Symptoms

Antihistamines work by targeting and blocking histamine, which is the chemical substance your body releases when exposed to an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander. Antihistamine treatments can take the form of pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. Once antihistamine medications are in your bloodstream, they can quickly reduce symptoms caused by allergens and prevent the release of histamines in the first place.

Taking antihistamines before or during exposure to an allergen can help limit and even prevent allergy symptoms. Antihistamine pills are most effective against itching, sneezing and runny nose, while nasal sprays are primarily designed to relieve congestion and pressure. Its important to note that certain antihistamine, especially older drugs, can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so you should be careful to avoid certain activities like driving after taking some antihistamines.

What Other Drugs Could Interact With This Medication

There may be an interaction between cetirizine and any of the following:

  • acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
  • aclidinium
  • other antihistamines
  • antipsychotics
  • apalutamide
  • “azole” antifungals
  • barbiturates
  • benzodiazepines
  • hepatitis C antivirals
  • hyaluronidase
  • macrolide antibiotics
  • metoclopramide
  • muscle relaxants
  • nabilone
  • narcotic pain medications
  • nitroglycerin
  • potassium supplements
  • pramipexole
  • seizure medications
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
  • sodium oxybate
  • thiazide diuretics
  • tiotropium
  • tricyclic antidepressants
  • tyrosine kinase inhibitors
  • umeclidinium

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Before Taking This Medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Allegra if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Allegra will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine. It is not known whether fexofenadine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Allegra tablets and capsules may be used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms in children who are at least 6 years old. Allegra oral suspension may be used in children ages 2 through 11. When treating chronic idiopathic urticaria, the liquid may be used in children as young as 2 months old. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Is There Anyone Who Should Not Take Zyrtec

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Zyrtec is safe for most people, but there are some populations that should stay away from it. Children under 2, anyone with a history of allergic reaction to Zyrtec or hydroxyzine/piperazine derivatives, and people with severe renal impairment are all people who probably shouldnât take Zyrtec, says Dr. Patel. For people with these conditions, Zyrtec can cause adverse health effects.

If you are pregnant and breastfeeding, Dr. Patel recommends speaking to your doctor before using it, since some women have experienced side effects. Dr. Eitches suggests taking it with caution if youâre on other medications or take some kind of sleeping aid to help you go to bed.

When in doubt, itâs best to go to your doctor with any questions before you take Zyrtec as an allergy medicine. All things considered though, youre likely to be fine when using Zyrtec, as side effects arent terribly common, Boomershine notes. Still, itâs best to be aware of potential Zyrtec side effectsespecially if youâre planning on popping the stuff on the reg over the next few months.

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What Types Of Decongestants Exist

  • Pseudoephedrine
  • Phenylephrine
  • Oxymetazoline

Pseudoephedrine is the most common, as the efficacy of phenylephrine has been disputed by researchers. Oxymetazoline is a topical decongestant, and is generally only available in nasal sprays and drops. Here are some of the most common decongestants in each category:

  • Pills: Sudafed®, Sudafed PE®, Mucinex Sinus-Max®
  • Liquids: Same brands as the pills, but liquid
  • Nasal sprays and drops: Afrin®, Vicks® Sinex

There are also a number of other medications that combine a decongestant with something elsesuch as an antihistamine, expectorant , or a pain reliever.

Allergy Types Tests And Treatment

The list of possible allergens may be limited only by the number of protein molecules in existence. However, some do turn up more than others. Many people suffer from seasonal, respiratory allergies, usually in the spring or fall and caused by pollen, mold and dust. Some people suffer from food allergies. Common allergenic foods are peanuts and shellfish. Of injected allergens, penicillin and insect venom are common offenders.

Allergists use a variety of diagnostic techniques to determine if a person is allergic. Unfortunately, the safest and often the most effective tests are not completely reliable by themselves in identifying if a substance is the cause of a patient’s symptoms.

The most common test, the scratch test, consists of applying a diluted extract of the possible allergen to the back or arm, and then scratching the skin with a needle. If the patient develops a certain degree of swelling or redness in the scratched area, the existence of IgE antibodies to that allergen is indicated. Blood tests are another avenue of diagnostics, especially in small children. With small children, the scratch test is used less often because the possible allergens used in the test may actually trigger a reaction in a child who has not been exposed to that substance before. Neither the scratch test nor the blood test is 100 percent accurate, but the results, taken together with a patient’s medical history, can help the doctor or allergist with a diagnosis and treatment plan.

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What Should Necessary Precautions Be Taken

It is recommended to take the tablet on prescription by the doctor, and it will help avoid unnecessary side effects. Following are the legit precaution for cetirizine tablets you should take :

  • The tablet contains hydroxyzine as an ingredient, and it may have side effects on your taste bud. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking cetirizine.
  • Check your medical history in guidance with your doctor, make sure you dont have any adverse effects of the tablet.
  • If you are consuming this tablet to treat hives during the days, immediately consult a doctor if you witness any other symptoms.
  • One thing about the tablet is it can make you feel drowsy. Therefore it is recommended not to take the cetirizine tablet with alcohol or marijuana or alcohol-containing products.
  • In diabetes, you must consult with your pharmacist before taking the tablet, as it contains sugar ingredients.
  • Pregnant women should take the tablet only when the gynecologist has recommended it. Taking the pill without a prescription can affect the embryo.

Treats Asthma And Nasal Allergy Symptoms

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Leukotriene modifiers can be prescribed along with other allergy medications to help reduce allergy symptoms. These drugs are primarily used to treat asthma and nasal allergy symptoms. They work by blocking the leukotrienes, a type of chemical produced by the body in response to allergens. Leukotriene modifiers can be taken as pills, chewable tablets, and oral powder.

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What Should I Avoid

Avoid using antacids within 15 minutes before or after taking a medication that contains Allegra. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb this medication.

Fruit juices and certain antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb fexofenadine. Do not take Allegra with fruit juice .

Avoid taking any other cold or allergy medicines unless your doctor has told you to.

Is It Safe To Take Antihistamines With Other Medicines

Some medicines may interact with antihistamines, increasing the side-effects of either or both medicines. Usually it is better to avoid taking antihistamines at the same time as certain medicines, including:

  • Certain types of antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and lofepramine may interact with antihistamines. Other antidepressants such as moclobemide.
  • Antacids, which may interfere with the way the antihistamine is absorbed, thus making it less effective.
  • Other tablets which make you drowsy, as the combination may be too much. For example opioid painkillers or benzodiazepines and Z drugs.
  • A group of medicines called antimuscarinics. This includes medicines such as hyoscine, oxybutynin, propantheline and tolterodine. Because these medicines can give you similar side-effects, such as a dry mouth or problems passing urine, the combination may make the side-effects more serious.

If you are buying your antihistamine from a pharmacy, make sure you tell the pharmacist if you take other medicines so they can advise accordingly.

Also watch the ingredients in other over-the-counter treatments. For example, remedies for coughs and colds may contain antihistamines, in which case you might end up taking double the dose by mistake.

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