How do antihistamines affect your alertness. What are the differences between first-generation and second-generation allergy medications. Can you avoid drowsiness while treating allergy symptoms. How do cold and flu medications impact sleepiness. What are smart strategies for managing allergy medication side effects.

The Science Behind Allergy Medicine and Sleepiness

Allergy medications, particularly antihistamines, are known for their effectiveness in treating allergy symptoms. However, many people experience drowsiness as a side effect. To understand why this happens, we need to delve into the role of histamine in our bodies.

Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system to combat allergens and germs. During allergic reactions or infections, histamine production increases, leading to symptoms like runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, thereby alleviating these symptoms.

Interestingly, histamine also plays a crucial role in the brain, contributing to our feeling of wakefulness. When antihistamines used to treat respiratory symptoms enter the brain, they can interfere with this process, resulting in drowsiness.

The Dual Role of Histamine

• Immune system: Fights allergens and germs
• Brain: Promotes wakefulness

Do all allergy medications cause the same level of drowsiness? No, the severity of this side effect can vary depending on the type of antihistamine used and individual reactions.

First-Generation vs. Second-Generation Antihistamines

Understanding the difference between first-generation and second-generation antihistamines is crucial for managing allergy symptoms while minimizing drowsiness.

First-Generation Antihistamines

First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl速), are more likely to cause drowsiness. This is because they can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and affect histamine in the brain. While effective at treating allergy symptoms, their sedating effects make them less ideal for daytime use.

Second-Generation Antihistamines

Newer, second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec速), fexofenadine (Allegra速), and loratadine (Claritin速) are often marketed as “non-drowsy” options. These medications are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in reduced drowsiness for many users. Additionally, they tend to have longer-lasting effects compared to their first-generation counterparts.

Which second-generation antihistamine is least likely to cause drowsiness? Among the commonly available options, Allegra is generally considered to be the least sedating.

Strategies to Minimize Drowsiness from Allergy Medications

While drowsiness can be a challenging side effect of allergy medications, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize its impact on your daily life.

1. Opt for second-generation antihistamines
2. Consider nasal spray antihistamines
3. Use intranasal corticosteroids
4. Time your medication intake strategically
5. Avoid alcohol consumption

How can nasal spray antihistamines help reduce drowsiness? These medications target nasal passages directly, minimizing the amount of medicine that enters the bloodstream and potentially crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Intranasal corticosteroids are another effective option for managing allergy symptoms with a lower risk of drowsiness. These medications may take a few days to reach full effectiveness, so patience is key. Consult with your healthcare provider about using an antihistamine in conjunction with an intranasal corticosteroid during the initial days of treatment.

The Impact of Cold and Flu Medications on Drowsiness

Many people are unaware that cold and flu medications often contain first-generation antihistamines, which can significantly contribute to drowsiness. These medications are typically more effective at treating cold symptoms and reducing nasal congestion than newer antihistamines.

Due to their sedating effects, cold medicines containing antihistamines are usually labeled for nighttime use. It’s crucial to take this labeling seriously, especially for medications containing highly sedating ingredients like doxylamine.

Tips for Using Cold and Flu Medications Safely

• Read labels carefully for dosage instructions
• Avoid exceeding recommended doses
• Don’t combine multi-symptom cold medications with additional antihistamines
• Be cautious about daytime use of nighttime formulations

Is it safe to drive after taking cold and flu medications? It’s generally advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking medications that can cause drowsiness, including many cold and flu remedies.

Smart Strategies for Managing Allergy Medication Side Effects

Effectively managing allergy symptoms while minimizing side effects requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Know Your Allergens

Understanding what triggers your allergies is crucial for prevention and targeted treatment. Consider getting allergy testing to identify your specific allergens.

2. Monitor Your Reactions

Pay close attention to how different medications affect you. What works well for one person may cause significant drowsiness in another.

3. Consistency is Key

Once you find an effective medication that doesn’t cause excessive drowsiness, stick with it. Be cautious when switching brands or generics, as chemical ingredients and dosages may vary.

4. Explore Alternative Treatments

If antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids are causing problematic side effects, discuss other options with your healthcare provider. Allergen immunotherapy might be a suitable long-term solution for some individuals.

Can lifestyle changes help reduce reliance on allergy medications? Yes, implementing strategies to reduce allergen exposure, such as using air purifiers, regularly cleaning bedding, and keeping windows closed during high pollen days, can help minimize the need for medication.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While over-the-counter allergy medications can be effective for many people, there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary.

When should you see an allergist? Consider scheduling an appointment with a board-certified allergist if:

• Your allergy symptoms persist for more than two weeks
• Over-the-counter medications fail to adequately control your symptoms
• You experience severe side effects from allergy medications
• Your allergies significantly impact your quality of life

An allergist can provide a comprehensive diagnosis, identify your specific allergens, and develop a tailored treatment plan that may include prescription medications or immunotherapy.

The Future of Allergy Treatment: Balancing Efficacy and Side Effects

As our understanding of allergies and immune responses continues to evolve, researchers are working on developing new treatments that offer effective symptom relief with minimal side effects.

Emerging Treatments

• Targeted immunotherapies
• Biologic medications
• Novel drug delivery systems

These advancements aim to provide more personalized and effective allergy management strategies, potentially reducing the reliance on traditional antihistamines and their associated side effects.

How might future allergy treatments differ from current options? Emerging therapies may target specific immune pathways involved in allergic reactions, offering more precise symptom control without broad systemic effects like drowsiness.

Navigating Allergy Season: Practical Tips for Staying Alert and Symptom-Free

Managing allergies effectively while maintaining alertness requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate allergy season:

1. Create an Allergen-Free Zone

Designate certain areas of your home, particularly your bedroom, as allergen-free zones. Use allergen-proof bedding covers, keep pets out of these areas, and use HEPA air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens.

2. Time Your Outdoor Activities

Pollen counts are typically highest in the early morning and late afternoon. Plan outdoor activities for other times of the day when possible.

3. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration can help thin mucus secretions and alleviate nasal congestion. It may also help counteract the drying effects of some antihistamines.

4. Experiment with Natural Remedies

Some people find relief from allergy symptoms through natural remedies like saline nasal rinses, local honey, or certain herbal supplements. While scientific evidence varies, these options may be worth exploring under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can all contribute to a stronger immune system and better overall health, potentially reducing the severity of allergy symptoms.

Can dietary changes impact allergy symptoms? Some studies suggest that certain foods may have anti-inflammatory properties that could help alleviate allergy symptoms. However, more research is needed in this area.

6. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Various smartphone apps can provide real-time pollen forecasts and air quality information for your area. Use these tools to plan your activities and medication schedule accordingly.

7. Consider Immunotherapy

For those with severe or persistent allergies, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) may provide long-term relief without the drowsiness associated with antihistamines.

How long does it take for immunotherapy to become effective? While individual responses vary, many people begin to experience noticeable improvements after several months of consistent treatment, with full benefits often realized after 1-3 years.

Balancing Allergy Relief and Daily Function: A Personalized Approach

Finding the right balance between effective allergy management and maintaining daily alertness often requires a personalized approach. What works best can vary significantly from person to person, depending on factors such as:

• The specific allergens triggering symptoms
• Individual sensitivity to medication side effects
• Lifestyle and daily routines
• Coexisting medical conditions

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a tailored allergy management plan that addresses your unique needs and circumstances.

Tracking Your Symptoms and Medication Effects

Keeping a detailed log of your allergy symptoms, medication use, and any side effects can be incredibly valuable. This information can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

What should you include in an allergy symptom tracker? Consider noting the following:

• Daily symptom severity
• Medications taken (including dosage and timing)
• Any side effects experienced
• Environmental factors (e.g., weather conditions, pollen counts)
• Activities or exposures that may have triggered symptoms

By carefully monitoring your responses to different treatments and environmental factors, you can work towards optimizing your allergy management strategy while minimizing unwanted side effects like drowsiness.

The Role of Combination Therapies

In some cases, a combination of different treatment approaches may provide the best results. This could involve using a non-sedating antihistamine during the day, coupled with a nasal corticosteroid spray and environmental control measures.

For nighttime symptom relief, a more sedating antihistamine might be appropriate, potentially helping with both allergy symptoms and sleep quality.

Can combining different types of allergy medications improve efficacy without increasing drowsiness? When used appropriately under medical guidance, certain combinations of medications can offer enhanced symptom relief while minimizing side effects. However, it’s crucial to avoid self-prescribing combinations without professional advice.

Empowering Yourself: Education and Self-Advocacy in Allergy Management

Taking an active role in your allergy management can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life. Here are some ways to empower yourself:

1. Stay Informed

Keep up-to-date with the latest research and treatment options for allergies. Reputable sources like national allergy associations and academic medical centers often provide valuable patient education resources.

2. Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of different treatment options, potential side effects, and alternative approaches.

3. Seek Support

Consider joining support groups or online communities for people with allergies. These can be great sources of practical tips and emotional support.

4. Advocate for Yourself

If your current treatment plan isn’t meeting your needs or is causing problematic side effects, speak up. Your healthcare provider can work with you to find better solutions.

How can you prepare for an appointment with an allergist? Consider the following steps:

• Keep a detailed symptom diary
• List all medications and supplements you’re taking
• Prepare questions about your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options
• Bring any relevant medical records or previous allergy test results

By taking an active, informed approach to your allergy management, you can work towards finding the optimal balance between symptom relief and overall well-being, minimizing the impact of side effects like drowsiness on your daily life.

When Allergy or Cold Medication Makes You Drowsy

Tips for Staying Alert

By Purvi Parikh, MD

In treating allergies or a cold with antihistamines, you may experience drowsiness, a common side effect of the medication.

How does this happen? Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system to fight off allergens and germs. When there is a threat of allergies or infection (such as the common cold), histamine is even more active. In its search-and-destroy process, it can cause allergy or cold symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, sneezing and itch eyes. Antihistamine medications relieve these symptoms by blocking the unwanted effects of histamine.

Unrelated to the immune system, histamine is also produced in the brain, where it plays an important part in feeling awake. Antihistamines used to treat respiratory symptoms can get into the brain and interrupt this work, making you feel drowsy.

What can you do about drowsiness from allergy medicines?

Some antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness than others. Reactions vary considerably from one person to another. What relieves your symptoms without making you sleepy may be different from what works for someone else.

When you find one that works for you, stick with it – check chemical ingredients and dosages before changing brands or generics. On the other hand, if one doesn’t work for you, try another type.

Does diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) make you sleepy? First-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) usually cause drowsiness because they are less likely to affect the histamine produced in the brain or have other unwanted effects in the brain. Currently, there is no non-drowsy Benadryl® on the market.

Non-drowsy allergy medicines do exist. Newer, second-generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec®), fexofenadine (Allegra®) and loratadine (Claritin®) – marketed as “nonsedating” – usually cause less drowsiness. An added benefit is that second-generation antihistamines last longer than Benadryl. Allegra is generally the least sedating.

Nasal spray antihistamines are also somewhat less likely to make you sleepy, since they target nasal passages directly rather than sending medicine throughout your body in the bloodstream. These are available only by prescription.

Regular use of an intranasal corticosteroid is not only safe but also an effective way to reduce use of antihistamines. They take a few days to start working, so you need to be patient. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using an antihistamine with an intranasal corticosteroid the first few days. Some intranasal corticosteroids are available over-the-counter, while others are available as prescription medication.

To avoid daytime drowsiness, take an antihistamine in the evening rather than in the morning. It may help you sleep, with drowsy effects wearing off by the next morning. Be aware that drowsiness can last longer than you might expect – and that some antihistamines can cause vivid dreams.

Don’t drink alcohol when taking antihistamines, as it will increase the sedation.

What about antihistamines in cold and flu medications?

What many people may not know is that cold and flu medicines marketed to treat runny nose and sneezing usually include first-generation antihistamines – the more sedating types. That’s because they are often better at treating cold symptoms and drying up runny nose than the newer types.

Because of their sedating effect, cold medicines with antihistamines are labeled for nighttime use. Take this labeling seriously, as some include medications like doxylamine that are more sedating than others. Check labels for dosages as well, as these may vary, even within brands.

More is not better – read labels carefully and take only as recommended. Don’t supplement a multi-symptom cold medication with another single-ingredient antihistamine.

Be smart, be aware of allergy medication side effects

Smart use of allergy medications – knowing how they treat symptoms of an allergic reaction, being aware of potential unwanted side effects and, most important, monitoring their effect on you and your health – is just one step toward controlling allergy and cold symptoms. Even more important: knowing what you are allergic to and taking steps to prevent or reduce exposure.

If your allergy symptoms tend to last longer than two weeks or are not adequately controlled with over-the-counter medications, schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist for a full diagnosis.

Antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are intended for symptom relief. If antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids are causing side effects such as drowsiness or other problems, there are other treatment options your doctor can offer for relief from allergic reactions. These options include allergen immunotherapy and non-drowsy allergy medicines like second-generation antihistamines or nasal sprays.

Reviewed by:
Dennis Williams, PharmD, is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. He practices at UNC Medical Center with the pulmonary medicine medical service. He has served as a member of the National Asthma Education Program Coordinating Committee and the National Asthma Educator Certification Board. He serves on Allergy & Asthma Network’s Board of Directors.

Antihistamine Medications | Why do Antihistamines Make You Sleepy

Drowsiness is one of the main side effects of some antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, which can be found in Benedryl and doxylamine succinate, which is found in Nyquil. And because of their powerful sedating abilities, antihistamines are also the main ingredients that are found in many over-the-counter sleep aids. But why do antihistamine medications make us sleepy? The answer to this question starts with histamines.

What are Histamines?

Histamines are chemical compounds that play a couple of roles in the body. They are best known for being involved in the body’s local immune responses. Histamine is a natural chemical in the body that performs numerous functions such as playing a part in the allergy response.

Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly thinks a harmless foreign substance, such as pollen or pet dander, is actually dangerous. Histamines will jump to action, which will cause the range of symptoms associated with allergies such as sneezing, itchy eyes, chest congestion, wheezing, and more.

When you get injured or your immune system detects a potentially dangerous foreign substance, certain white blood cells and tissue cells release histamines that pursue and attach to other cells that have a histamine receptor. The histamines induce an inflammatory response, where they will dilate the blood vessels that will increase the blood flow to the site of injury or invasion. There are some side effects that come along with this healing process. An example is when you’re fighting off a cold, histamines will widen the blood vessels in your nasal cavity which will cause nasal congestion.

What are Antihistamines?

Antihistamines are usually used to ease allergy symptoms. They work by blocking histamines attachment to receptors, which prevent the compounds from carrying out their functions. They can cross the blood-brain barrier and inhibit one of the other functions of histamines, which is the role they play in regulating sleep and wakefulness. This disruption of the action of histamines in the brain results in drowsiness.

Older Antihistamines

Because first-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or hydroxyzine (Atarax), block the action of histamine at this receptor, they block histamine’s effect on wakefulness. When the histamine is blocked from triggering the receptor and participating in the sleep-wake cycle, the brain sees this as the “sleep mode” of the receptor, and you will feel drowsy. These older antihistamines don’t discriminate between which histamine receptors they block.

Older antihistamines have a sedating effect because the medication penetrates the blood-brain barrier, which means that the medication not only works in treating an allergy but also affects the brain. This results in a feeling of lethargy. In fact, some older antihistamines are prescribed specifically because they help with sleep and relaxation. However, this can be an unwanted and serious side effect for someone who needs to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Newer Antihistamines

Newer antihistamine medications, such as loratadine (Claritin) or desloratadine (Aerius), have different chemical structures that don’t allow them to readily enter the brain. Even though they have action at the h2 receptor, they can’t access the receptors that are present in the brain, which means they do not cause drowsiness. This is also the reason why newer and different antihistamines have less drowsiness effects associated with them. Newer, once-a-day antihistamine medications have no effect on the brain and just function in decreasing allergy symptoms. They block the histamines which cause inflammation, mucous, itching and hives. However, they can still cause drowsiness in a small percent of people who take them. If this is the case for you, you should talk to your doctor about other approaches you may be able to take.

Treatment with Dr. Shukla

Dr. Shukla of Brooklyn New York has been in practice for more than 15 years. He has provided the answers and treatments to many children suffering from asthma, allergies, sleep apnea. Here at the Asthma, Allergy and Sleep Center of New York, we provide you with a personalized, boutique approach to health care and pediatric pulmonology all under one roof. We emphasize prevention and use our advanced diagnostic technologies to give you and your child the best possible care. Whether you need to see a sleep doctor, need allergy treatment or need a pulmonologist, contact Dr. Shukla’s New York offices today for an appointment.

What are the remedies for allergies? – article on the website Aptechestvo, Nizhny Novgorod

Allergy is a condition caused by an overreaction of the immune system to substances that are normally pathogens. Accompanied by a high reaction to substances that do not have a harmful effect on the body. The reasons have not yet been identified by scientists, so until now it has not been possible to develop drugs to cure unpleasant reactions, such as sneezing, tearing, itching, etc. But in pharmacies there are allergy medications that relieve symptoms and help relieve exacerbation. Means of the first, second and third generation can be purchased at our online pharmacy, but it is worth studying the features and indications.

Symptoms

Allergies in mild forms go unnoticed and do not require medical treatment. But unpleasant conditions can become brighter and stronger depending on the type of allergen.

The following signs are observed:

• Sneezing, it may get worse;

• Manifestations of cough, it may be accompanied by frequent and problematic breathing;

• Lack of air;

• There may be itching in the nasal region, a severe runny nose;

• Increased tearing;

• Skin itching;

• The appearance of red spots on the skin (urticaria).

First generation drugs

Means of an antihistamine type, which belong to the first generation, when taken, enter the region of the nervous system. They quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms. But the effect does not last long, and with prolonged use, addiction is observed. When they are used, a feeling of drowsiness, weakness, headaches, dizziness, and slow reactions may occur.

Below you can consider the most effective and inexpensive allergy remedies:

• Diazolin. Does not cause severe drowsiness. It is recommended to use for prevention. Will not be able to help during severe exacerbations, severe manifestations;

• Suprastin. When used, severe drowsiness does not occur, quick help to the body with allergies. The drug is approved for use in adults and children from 3 years.

Second generation drugs

Antihistamine drugs of the second generation have a large spectrum of action. If you follow the rules when taking, there are practically no side effects. Funds are valid 24 hours. With prolonged use, there is no addiction.

Antiallergic drugs of the second group:

• Fenistil. Allergy medicine, which is available in the form of a gel, drops. Options in the form of a gel are intended for application to the surface of the skin, if there are rashes, irritations. They have a cooling, analgesic effect. Drops are more convenient to use, unlike the gel, it is convenient to take with you, they are not addictive;

• Claritin. Has a wide application. When used, there is no feeling of drowsiness, concentration of attention does not decrease. Suitable for adults, it can be used by children from 3 years old. The allergy remedy can be used for a long time;

• Tsetrin. The allergy remedy is highly effective, the tablets relieve unpleasant symptoms, relieve exacerbation. There is a form of syrup, it is suitable for children from 2 years. The action persists throughout the day. Helps relieve swelling. The syrup can be included in complex therapy, relieves spasms during bronchial asthma. The drug has no contraindications;

• Xizal (Zodak). The drug is available in several forms – in the form of tablets and syrup. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. Relieves swelling, itching, redness. The action is noted for two days. Do not use in renal failure, the drug is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age;

Third generation drugs

You can buy medicines for allergic reactions of the third generation from us. The group often includes improved second-generation drugs. They act quickly and are effective. They have few side effects, sometimes intolerance may occur.

Effective medicines include:

• Erius. The medicine is sold in the form of tablets and syrup. It has a long lasting effect. The action can last for days. When used, the manifestations of allergies are quickly eliminated;

• Fexofast When used, the manifestations of reactions are quickly eliminated. The action is observed within 12 hours. Suitable for prevention. The medicine is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.

It is impossible to single out the best remedy for allergies, since each drug is selected individually. Each generation of drugs mainly differ in pharmacokinetics and are used as prescribed by a doctor. You can buy original medicines with antihistamine action on our website, it has a large selection, the main characteristics, indications and contraindications are indicated. But first you should consult with your doctor.

Allergy tablets: types, features, recommendations

• Antihistamines
• First generation drugs
• Second and third generation preparations
• Allergist’s comment

The article was checked and commented by Victoria Galyas, an allergist-immunologist of the Semeynaya clinic network

Antihistamines for allergies

When an allergic reaction occurs, histamine is released, a substance that binds to receptors of certain cells [1]. Symptoms can range from mild malaise, runny nose and rash to serious complications such as angioedema and breathing problems. Allergy medications reduce the effect of histamine and help to get rid of the symptoms, but not the cause. The only way to eliminate it is not to interact with the allergen.

Consult your doctor before starting medication. Only a specialist can choose the right drugs, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and determine the duration of treatment.

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First generation drugs for allergies

The initial group includes medicines with the active ingredients benadryl, diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine. It is one of the first drugs to treat allergy symptoms [1]. They have a calming effect, depress the nervous system and can cause drowsiness. They are excreted from the body quite quickly, therefore, they require frequent dosage if the cause of the allergy cannot be eliminated as soon as possible.

Tablets based on these substances help to get rid of runny nose, itching, sneezing, watery eyes and respiratory symptoms of allergies.

Allergy medications reduce the effects of histamine and help relieve the symptoms but not the cause of the allergic reaction

© Castorly Stock/Pexels

First generation medications have side effects. In addition to drowsiness, they can cause dry mouth and nasopharynx, headache, less often loss of appetite, nausea, and muscle weakness. You should consult your doctor before taking medication.

They are strictly contraindicated for some patients, eg glaucoma, bronchitis, emphysema and high blood pressure. In addition, only a professional can calculate the possible effects of combining antihistamines with other drugs.

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Second and third generation allergy medications

New second and third generation OTC oral antihistamines target more specific receptors. Tablets and drops last much longer, so a smaller dose is required to eliminate symptoms. This is true if it is impossible to get rid of the source of allergens within a few weeks, for example, with a seasonal allergy to pollen.

Preparations are available in the form of tablets, capsules, drops, nasal decongestant sprays. The appropriate format is selected individually on the recommendation of the attending physician. In some cases, antihistamine body creams, eye drops and inhalations with the active substance are prescribed [2].

Cetirizine-based drugs

Cetirizine is one of the common active ingredients in second and third generation antihistamines [3]. Side effects from taking it are much less compared to the drugs from the previous block, but they are not excluded. Doctors point to possible headaches, drowsiness, difficulty breathing and swallowing. Cetirizine-based preparations, like most antihistamines, should not be combined with alcohol. They are contraindicated in patients with kidney disease and asthma [4].

Tablets and drops last much longer, so a smaller dose is required to resolve symptoms

© Castorly/Pexels

Loratadine-based medicines ways [5]. It is used to treat hives, an allergic skin reaction. Taking the drug often causes drowsiness and headache. Side effects include rash, itching, and breathing problems.

Fexofenadine medicines

Like most medicines, fexofenadine is available as tablets, capsules and drops. It is used to treat hives, helps relieve itching and eliminate symptoms of upper respiratory tract allergies. Side effects are the same as other second and third generation drugs.

Possible side effects include upset stomach, pain in the extremities, dizziness, and an allergic reaction to the drug itself. Fexofenadine should not be taken with certain antifungals, antibiotics, and antacids [6]. Consult with your doctor to clarify all the nuances. So, even ordinary fruit juice can reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

Allergist’s comment

Viktoriya Galyas, allergist-immunologist of the Semeynaya clinic network

In Russia, every third adult and fourth child is allergic. The most common allergic diseases include pollinosis, which affects 18-20% of citizens, allergic rhinitis (7-12%) and bronchial asthma (7-11%).

The drugs are safe at recommended dosages. Passing through the liver, they are metabolized by its enzymes. But if liver function is impaired, non-metallized forms of the active substance accumulate in the blood, which can cause heart rhythm disturbances.

While taking antihistamines, it is not recommended to drink alcohol, as it can reduce the concentration of the substance in the blood, as well as increase drowsiness.

As for children, there are antihistamines that are allowed from one month of life, the dosage is individual and is selected by the doctor depending on the severity of the disease. Some active substances are contraindicated in childhood, but they can always find an alternative.

I prefer third generation drugs, especially those based on fexofenadine. Most drugs are universal, but there are also individual factors.