By blocking the effects of histamines, this class of drugs can treat allergies and many other ailments.
An antihistamine is a type of medicine used to treat common allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, hives, and a runny nose.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, nasal allergies affect about 50 million people in the United States.
Certain antihistamines are also sometimes used to treat motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, cough, sleep problems, anxiety, and Parkinson's disease.
The drugs work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that can cause allergy symptoms.
Antihistamines come in different forms, such as capsules, tablets, liquids, eye drops, injections, and nasal sprays.
They can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) or given as a prescription.
Some antihistamines are taken daily, while others are used only when symptoms occur.
Types of Antihistamines
Some common antihistamines include:
- Allegra (fexofenadine)
- Astelin and Astepro (azelastine) nasal sprays
- Atarax and Vistaril (hydroxyzine)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
- Clarinex (desloratadine)
- Claritin and Alavert (loratadine)
- Cyproheptadine
- Dimetane (brompheniramine)
- Emadine (emedastine) eye drops
- Livostin (levocabastine) eye drops
- Optivar (azelastine) eye drops
- Palgic (carbinoxamine)
- Xyzal (levocetirizine)
- Tavist (clemastine)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Antihistamine Side Effects
Common side effects of antihistamines include:
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Upset stomach
- Thickening of mucus
- Changes in vision
- Feeling nervous, excited, or irritable
Antihistamine Precautions
Before taking an antihistamine, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have, especially:
- Diabetes
- An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy (seizure disorder)
- An enlarged prostate or trouble urinating
Don't drive or perform activities that require alertness until you know how the antihistamine you're taking affects you.
Follow the instructions on your prescription or package label carefully when taking an antihistamine. Don't take more of the medicine than is recommended.
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking before starting on an antihistamine.
You may need to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking an antihistamine, as they can affect how these drugs work in your body. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern.
Antihistamines and Alcohol
Alcohol may worsen certain side effects of antihistamines.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medicines.
Antihistamines and Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, or might become pregnant, while using an antihistamine.
You'll have to discuss the risks and benefits of taking the medicine during pregnancy.
Also, talk to your healthcare provider before taking antihistamines if you're breastfeeding.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
- Antihistamine, Mayo Clinic.
- Antihistamines for Allergies, MedlinePlus.
- Allergy Facts, American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.
