| Antihistamines
are most often used to treat the symptoms of allergies, particularly
hay fever, and reactions to bites and stings.
Oral antihistamines are also used for allergies
to medicines (such as aspirin), to prevent and treat migraine
symptoms, and to relieve severe morning sickness. You can
also take antihistamine tablets containing drugs such as cyclizine
or cinnarizine to prevent travel or motion sickness.
Taken in tablet form for hay fever and other
allergies, antihistamines reduce itching of the nose and eyes,
a runny nose and watering eyes, and sneezing. They are not
as effective at unblocking a stuffy nose, but can be combined
with a decongestant (a drug that reduces swelling in the mucous
membranes and stops mucous being produced) to treat nasal
congestion.
In this combined form they are sometimes used
to treat the nasal symptoms of the common cold.
Topical antihistamines are creams and ointments,
applied to the skin. Antihistamine creams and tablets are
both effective in reducing urticaria (hives or nettle rash),
the itchy white bumps on the skin often caused by insect bites
and stings. Oral antihistamines are also used to treat chronic
(long-lasting) urticaria.
Eyedrops containing antihistamines such as
antazoline can be applied to the eyes, to treat allergic conjunctivitis
(swelling and irritation of part of the eye).
Sedating antihistamine tablets (which cause
drowsiness) are sometimes used to treat the itching associated
with severe eczema, scabies, or insect bites. They do not
treat the eczema itself but can help to break the itch-scratch
cycle that makes symptoms worse, especially in young children
and those who scratch in their sleep.
Injections of antihistamines such as chlorphenamine
are used after adrenaline injections, in emergency treatment
of serious allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock and
angioedema.
Other antihistamines include diphenhydramine,
which is sometimes used to relieve stiffness and uncontrollable
shaking in people with Parkinson’s disease, and hydroxyzine,
which can be used to treat anxiety and nerves.Certain antihistamines,
called H2-blockers, can be used to treat peptic (stomach)
ulcers.
What
are Antihistamine drugs? |
How
does it work? | What
is it used for? | Who
can use it?|
Side
effects|
Managing
Allergies During Pregnancy|
Asthma
in Pregnancy|
How
To Survive Spring Allergies|
Allegra
A Common Anti Allergy Drug|
Practical
Measures to Prevent and Treat Allergy|
Give
Your Allergies A Sniffle-Free Spring
|
