Learn About Common OTC Antihistamines
Ladies, antihistamines are very common! Most of you are going to need them sometimes. That's why OTC antihistamines are great! You'll find these over-the-counter ones on their own and mixed with other medications! Ladies, you'll find them as tablets, sprays, eye drops, and even liquids. The best form varies based on what you need it for! However, you always have to follow the directions. This means short-term use only!
OTC antihistamines are great as a seasonal allergies treatment and an allergic rhinitis treatment. Ladies, try an antihistamine for hives as well! You'll want a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day. But of course, getting to know the most common OTC antihistamines will let you choose the best antihistamine for your needs!
Loratadine
Ladies, loratadine helps your allergy and cold symptoms. It works for sneezing, watery eyes, rashes, and runny noses! You'll also get relief from hives and itchy skin, even when they're from chronic problems! But you also need to know about the side effects. The common ones? Expect headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, stomach pain, anxiety, and vomiting. Some side effects mean you have to call your doctor now. They include bad headaches, feeling lightheaded, and an irregular or fast heartbeat.
Ask your doctor before taking this one when you have kidney problems, asthma, or liver issues. This also applies to you when you have phenylketonuria. Why? Because the chewable pills often have phenylalanine in them! Finally, if you're allergic to desloratadine? Don't take this one!
Diphenhydramine
Ladies, when it comes to older antihistamines, chances are you'll see something with diphenhydramine. In fact, it's the one used in Benadryl! It's a very common ingredient. This antihistamine makes hay fever, allergies, and common cold symptoms go away. It'll even help you when you're older if you develop Parkinson's! Ladies, this medication works wonders on motion sickness too. But there's a catch. It's a first-generation medication. That means it will cause drowsiness for many of you. The good news? It's used in sleep aids because of this! Be on watch for other side effects too. Ladies, it causes dizziness, headaches, and dry mouth! You'll often have coordination issues too. Rarer ones are heart palpitations and confusion.
Avoiding driving is key here, thanks to the drowsiness. You have to stop drinking alcohol too, since the combo makes drowsiness and dizziness a bit worse. And ladies? Certain health conditions mean you need to talk to your doctor before taking this. They include heart disease, low blood pressure, liver problems, and glaucoma!
Clemastine
Clemastine is another first-gen antihistamine! Ladies, this one appeared in the 60s. It treats the symptoms of many allergies, just like the others. Of course, it comes with a few side effects! Expect common ones like dizziness, stomach pain, and sleepiness. Balance changes are rare, but call your doctor right away if any happen! You're more likely to experience side effects if you're over 65. Of course, you can't drink on this medication. And when you're breastfeeding? You can't take it!
Review your meds with your doctor too. You'll find that some depression meds, linezolid, Parkinson's medications, and others cause interactions. Ladies, sometimes you can wait 2 weeks before taking this antihistamine. Others? You can't take both! Meds for depression or Parkinson's often mean your blood pressure is going to jump dangerously if you also take clemastine.