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Is Taking 2 Allergy Pills Bad

How To Take Ibuprofen Responsibly

Is it OK to take Zyrtec everyday

Dr. Morgan lays out a few important, commonsense guidelines to keep in mind before heading to the medicine cabinet and diving into that bottle of ibuprofen.

  • Talk to a doctor. Sometimes, taking ibuprofen when you have another health condition can actually create the perfect storm, Dr. Morgan warns. Your doctor can advise you whether ibuprofen is safe for you and your unique medical concerns.
  • Use only what you need. Always follow dosage instructions or specific guidelines from your doctor and dont pop an extra pill thinking it will give you a little bit of extra benefit.
  • Only use it when you need it. Just say no to ibuprofen as a cure-all. Some people use it thinking it can ward off problems, but it shouldnt be used for prophylaxis, Dr. Morgan says.
  • Seek alternatives to ibuprofen. If ibuprofen has been your go-to way to tackle pain, Dr. Morgan encourages you to find alternatives, when possible. Topical NSAID creams and gels can soothe sore muscles, warm and cold packs can bring down minor swelling and holistic measures like exercise, massage and yoga can promote overall wellness.
  • Leave Your Shoes And Pollen At The Front Door

    You can carry quite a bit of pollen into the house after youve been exposed to it by exercising or working outside. If you dont take off your shoes as soon as you come into the house, you may be tracking pollen into every room. The same goes for your clothes. Its not necessary for everyone, but if seasonal allergies like hay fever are particularly troublesome for you, change your clothes as soon as you come in and throw them in the wash to keep allergy symptoms from following you home, Dr. Dykewicz advises.

    How Often Can I Take Allergy Meds

    This article was published more than 10 years ago. Some information in it may no longer be current.

    The question

    I seem to have allergies all year round and suffer from watery eyes and congestion/sneezing regularly. Is taking anti-histamines regularly a bad idea?

    The answer

    Allergies can cause a significant decrease in quality of life by interfering with enjoyment of everyday activities and can affect work and school performance.

    As you mentioned, symptoms can include watery eyes, runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. It is a common problem that can begin at any age and symptoms vary from person to person and can change in severity throughout a person’s lifetime.

    Antihistamines are effective medications for allergies as they block the action of histamine, a chemical released when the body responds to something in the environment .

    Increased histamine sensitizes the respiratory tract, nasal passages to these allergens which can trigger allergy symptoms when exposed. Allergies can be seasonal or they can be present year round. Allergies that last year round are commonly triggered by pet dander , dust mites, fungus, or cigarette smoke.

    To answer to your question, it’s important to clarify how regular is your intake of anti-histamines.

    For my patients who suffer from allergies, we work to get to the potential root causes of their symptoms by identifying and avoiding triggers. If it is not possible to avoid the triggers, a combination of medications may be helpful.

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    What Happens If You Take 2 Claritin Pills In A Day

    Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

    Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

    HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

    Can Flomax Cause Allergies

    Extra Strength Allergy Medication

    Someone may be taking a drug like Flomax, which can worsen sinus conditions and make allergy medicine less useful, he says. People may respond unusually to allergy medications based on their genes. Their genetics may also make them exhibit different symptoms for allergies than what are traditional, Zitt says.

    Also Check: Can Allergies Make You Throw Up

    What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor Before I Take Centrum

    All products:

    • If you are allergic to Centrum ) any part of Centrum ) or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

    If your product has iron in it:

    • If you have too much iron in your body.

    This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Centrum ).

    Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Centrum ) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

    Is It Safer To Skip Allergy Medication Altogether When I’m Pregnant

    If your symptoms aren’t bad, your doctor may suggest other treatments instead. You could allergy-proof your home or rely on saline nasal sprays.

    But if allergy symptoms are a big problem — making it hard to sleep, for instance — taking medication may be better for your health and your baby’s.

    If you have allergic asthma, you need to take the medication as prescribed. Uncontrolled asthma can cause serious problems during pregnancy.

    Also Check: Allergy Predictor

    How Is This Medicine Best Taken

    Use Centrum ) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

    All products:

    • Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

    Long-acting products:

    • Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

    Liquid:

    • Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Centrum ). If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure Centrum ).

    Chewable tablet:

    • Chew well before swallowing.

    What do I do if I miss a dose?

    • If you take Centrum ) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
    • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
    • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

    What Does An Expiration Date Mean

    Allergy Medications Explained – Can You Take More Than One?

    The expiration date is the final day that the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of a medication. Drug expiration dates exist on most medication labels, including prescription, over-the-counter and dietary supplements. U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers are required by law to place expiration dates on prescription products prior to marketing.

    For legal and liability reasons, manufacturers will not make recommendations about the stability of drugs past the original expiration date.1 However, for most drugs, it’s just an arbitrary date, usually 1 to 5 years out, that the manufacturer selects to test drug stability. Once the container of medication is opened after production, that expiration date is no longer guaranteed.11

    The expiration date of a drug is estimated using stability testing under good manufacturing practices as determined by the Food and Drug Administration . Drug products marketed in the US typically have an expiration date that extends from 12 to 60 months from the time of manufacturer. Once the original container is opened, either by the patient or the health care provider who will dispense the drug, that original expiration date on the container can no longer be relied upon.2 However, the actual shelf life of the drug may be much longer as stability studies have shown.3

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    How To Take Antihistamines

    Take your medicine as advised by the pharmacist or doctor, or as described in the leaflet that comes with it.

    Before taking an antihistamine, you should know:

    • how to take it including whether it needs to be taken with water or food, or how to use it correctly
    • how much to take this can vary depending on things such as your age and weight
    • when to take it including how many times a day you can take it and when to take it
    • how long to take it for some types can be used for a long time, but some are only recommended for a few days
    • what to do if you miss a dose or take too much

    The advice varies depending on the exact medicine you’re taking. If you’re not sure how to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist.

    What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away

    WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

    All products:

    • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

    If your product has iron in it:

    • Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
    • Fever.
    • Very upset stomach or throwing up.
    • Very bad belly pain.
    • Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
    • Stomach cramps.

    These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

    You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

    Also Check: What Allergy Medicine Is Stronger Than Zyrtec

    Treatment Of Antihistamines Poisoning In Dogs

    Once the veterinarian has made a diagnosis of antihistamine poisoning, he will immediately begin treatment. Treatment methods include:

    Emesis

    If your dog has already vomited, the veterinarian will not need to induce vomiting. The induction of vomiting may be conducted in order to help rid the dog of the substance, depending on the timing of the ingestion. Once emesis has occurred, the veterinarian may give the dog activated charcoal to aid in the absorption of any residual toxic substances.

    Medications

    Medications to suppress the central nervous system may be given, especially if the dog is having seizures. Diazepam is often the drug of choice to control any seizure activity, and there are other drugs that work as well. Medications, namely methocarbamol, guaifenesin, or pentobarbital may also be used.

    Monitoring of Systems

    The veterinarian will closely monitor the dogs heart rate, arrhythmia, and respiratory rate. The monitoring of systems also is dependent upon if the animal ingested a medication that has been combined with the antihistamine.

    When Is The Best Time To Take 24 Hour Allergy Medicine

    ZYRTEC® Tablets for Allergy Symptom Relief

    So taking your 24-hour allergy medications before going to bed means that youll get the maximum effect when you need it the most. Taking your allergy medication at night assures that it will be circulating in your blood stream when you most need it, early the next morning, Martin says in a news release.

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    What Antihistamine Is Right For You

    You can buy many different brands and forms of antihistamines without a prescription.

    • Some work for only 4 to 6 hours, while others last for 12 to 24 hours.
    • Some are combined with a decongestant, a drug that dries up your nasal passages.

    Ask your health care provider 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. Or ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

    • Some antihistamines cause less sleepiness than others. These include cetirizine , desloratadine , fexofenadine , and loratadine .
    • Do not drink alcohol when you are taking antihistamines.

    Also, remember:

    • Store antihistamines at room temperature, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
    • Do not freeze antihistamines.
    • Keep all medicines where children cannot reach them.

    Skip Having A Drink With Dinner

    Drinking any type of alcohol increases blood flow to the linings of your nose and can make nasal allergy symptoms worse, notes Dykewicz. Also, if youre someone who has year-round nasal issues, including frequent congestion, this scenario can be complicated by alcohol. When seasonal allergies hit and youre already feeling congested, skip the beer or wine to avoid worsening your allergy symptoms.

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    What Are The Side Effects Of Allergy Pills

    Side Effects. Most allergy medications have side effects, with drowsiness the most common reported for antihistamines, although dry mouth and nausea are among other possibilities. Decongestants can also have central nervous system effects, including dizziness, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, anxiety, rapid heartbeat and restlessness.

    How Should I Store My Medicines To Maintain Their Shelf Life

    What Allergy Medicine Should My Child Be Taking?

    Proper storage of medications may help to extend their potency. The bathroom and medicine cabinet are not ideal places to store medications due to heat and humidity. Similarly, medications should not be left in a hot car or glovebox, or in freezing weather.

    Most oral, solid medications remain most stable in dry, cool spaces away from light. Keep the prescription bottle caps tightly closed and always keep medications out of reach of children and pets. Look at your package insert for proper storage instructions, or ask your pharmacist. Be careful to follow any instructions for refrigeration or freezing.

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    Is It Safe To Take Expired Medications

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends never taking drugs beyond their expiration date as it is risky with many unknown variables. For example, how your drug is stored before you receive it, chemical make-up, and original manufacturing date can all affect potency of a drug.

    In 1963, a report was published that tied degraded tetracycline use with a form of renal tubular damage known as “Fanconi Syndrome” however, that formulation of tetracycline in no longer marketed in the U.S.1, 11, and many medical experts question the results of this case report.

    Solid dosage forms, such as tablets and capsules, appear to be most stable past their expiration date. Drugs that exist in solution or as a reconstituted suspension, and that require refrigeration , may not have the required potency if used when outdated. Loss of potency can be a major health concern, especially when treating an infection with an antibiotic. Additionally, antibiotic resistance may occur with sub-potent medications.

    Drugs that exist in solution, especially injectable drugs, should be discarded if the product forms a precipitant or looks cloudy or discolored.1

    Liquid drugs such as eye or ear solutions, oral liquids, or topical solutions may undergo evaporation of solvents over time.11

    Expired medications that contain preservatives, such as ophthalmic drops, may be unsafe past their expiration date.1 Outdated preservatives may allow bacterial growth in the solution.

    How Antihistamines Work

    Antihistamines block the effects of a substance called histamine in your body.

    Histamine is normally released when your body detects something harmful, such as an infection. It causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, which helps protect the body.

    But in people with allergies, the body mistakes something harmless such as pollen, animal hair or house dust for a threat and produces histamine. The histamine causes an allergic reaction with unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watering eyes, a running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes.

    Antihistamines help stop this happening if you take them before you come into contact with the substance you’re allergic to. Or they can reduce the severity of symptoms if you take them afterwards.

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    What Are Antihistamines

    Antihistamines are a class of drugs used to control the bodys production of histamine, a chemical made by your immune system in response to common allergens like mold, dust, pollen, ragweed, pets, insect bites/stings, latex, and food. The release of too much histamine spurs bothersome symptoms like itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy throat, itchy skin, rashes, wheezing, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and fatigue.

    Antihistamines are classified into two groups:

  • First-generation antihistamines work in the part of the brain that causes motion sickness. Meaning, they can help with nausea and vomiting, too. Their most common side effect is severe drowsiness. Benadryl, Unisom, and Vistaril are some popular brand names in this category.
  • Second-generation antihistamines are newer medications with fewer side effects. They dont typically cause drowsiness. Because they are less sedating and dont interact with as many drugs as their first-generation counterparts,research says second-generation antihistamines are safer theyre also more effective. Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec are some common brand names in this group.
  • Seasonal allergies are typically limited to the spring, summer, and early fall, but perennial allergies can occur year-round. If its not possible to eliminate exposure to your allergy trigger, you may keep daily symptoms under control with an antihistamine.

    When To See A Doctor

    Spring Allergies Aren

    Some side effects of taking antihistamines can mimic symptoms of an overdose. These include mild nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

    These symptoms dont usually require medical treatment, and may subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Even so, check with a doctor if you have side effects. You may need to reduce your dosage or take a different medication.

    The difference between a side effect and an overdose is the severity of symptoms. Severe symptoms like rapid heart rate, tightness in the chest, or convulsions require a visit to the emergency room.

    Antihistamines are safe when used properly. Here are some tips to avoid ingesting too much:

    • Dont take two different types of antihistamines simultaneously.
    • Dont take more than the recommended dosage.
    • Dont double up on doses.
    • Keep drugs out of reach of children.
    • Dont take two doses too close together.

    Make sure you read labels carefully. Some antihistamines can interact with other drugs you take. If you dont know whether its safe to combine an antihistamine with another medication, speak with a doctor or pharmacist.

    Be mindful that some antihistamines include other ingredients like a decongestant. If you take these types of antihistamines, its important that you dont take a separate decongestant.

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