| Adverse
drug reactions are most commonly associated with the first-generation
H1-antihistamines. This is due to their relative lack of selectivity
for the H1-receptor.
The most common adverse effect is sedation;
this "side effect" is utilised in many OTC sleeping-aid
preparations.
Other common adverse effects in first-generation
H1-antihistamines include: dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision,
euphoria, uncoordination, anxiety, insomnia, tremor, nausea
and vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, and dry
cough. Infrequent adverse effects include: urinary retention,
palpitations, hypotension, headache, hallucination, and psychosis
The main side effect of the older antihistamines
is sedation (drowsiness). After taking the drugs for a few
days, this effect may fade. Other side effects of older antihistamines
can include headache, dry mouth and blurred vision.
Antihistamine creams can sometimes cause hypersensitivity
of the skin, which means the skin overreactes to stimulation
such as touch. Topical antihistamines should not be applied
to skin with eczema and should not be used for longer than
three days at a time.
Newer, non-sedating antihistamines are far
less likely to cause drowsiness, but it does sometimes occur;
avoid driving until you know how the drug affects you.
Terfenadine, which may be prescribed for hay
fever treatment, has a particular set of side effects, including
making your heart beat fast and in an irregular way.
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
|
