Learn About Common OTC Antihistamines

Cetirizine

Cetirizine is a newer OTC antihistamine! Ladies, this is a second-generation one. It's going to treat hay fever and itchy skin from hives. This medication is even going to work on allergies. Specifically, they help when you're allergic to dust mites, mold, and animal dander! You'll choose your own tablet here. There are extended-release and regular ones! And when you have trouble swallowing pills? There's even a chewable tablet! A liquid form exists too. There are side effects with this one. Ladies, they include fatigue, stomach pain, vomiting, and dry mouth! Call your doctor when these are bad or don't go away. You'll need to call right away about issues swallowing or breathing!

Ladies, when you're pregnant, you have to ask before taking this medication. You also have to ask your doctor first if you have liver or kidney disease! And ladies? Don't take it if you're allergic to hydroxyzine. You'll need to review your meds as well. Ladies, this one interacts with things like seizure, sleeping, and anxiety medications! Avoiding interactions makes side effects much less likely.

Fexofenadine

Fexofenadine is a great OTC option for your seasonal allergies! Ladies, you'll take it for hives and itching too. In fact, it's amazing when you have chronic hives! Of course, there are side effects with this antihistamine. Sore throat, stuffy nose, headaches, sinus pain, and back pain are common ones! Your doctor needs an immediate call when you see chills, fever, pain, fatigue, or a new or worsening cough!

Ladies, only take this one with some water. You'll need to have an empty stomach when you have the dissolvable tablets! That said, you also have to ask your doctor about this medication when you are older than 65 or have kidney disease. You need to talk about your current medications too! This one interacts with things like muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, and erythromycin. Antacids affect this antihistamine too, so take these at least 2 hours apart!