It’s important to note that long-term use of first-generation antihistamines, like Benadryl, may increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, research suggests. “In some people, cetirizine may cause people to feel sleepy or drowsy, but it’s unlikely.” Second-generation antihistamines can remain effective when you take them every day. “The later generation non-sedating antihistamines, such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine are safe to take daily,” says John Faraci, MD, an allergist and immunologist in Loma Linda, California. Lin says antihistamines alone are “not bad for the heart in otherwise healthy people.” “The decongestant component can cause elevated blood pressure and elevated heart rate,” says Stephen Tilles, MD, clinical professor of medicine at the University of Washington. Some allergy medications contain an antihistamine and a decongestant (e.g., Claritin D). The risk of interaction increases with combination products. RELATED: Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking allergy medicine? If you’re using eye drops for itchy, watery eyes, they work immediately, but steroid nasal sprays can take a few days to kick in. But when it comes to allergy medications for seasonal allergies, it’s best to start taking them preventively 2-4 weeks before you expect your allergic symptoms to start. Oral antihistamines generally start to work within 30 minutes, reaching maximum effect in about 2 hours. If it’s not possible to eliminate exposure to your allergy trigger, you may keep daily symptoms under control with an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamine. Seasonal allergies are typically limited to the spring, summer, and early fall, but perennial allergies can occur year-round. Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec are some common brand names in this group. Because they are less sedating and don’t interact with as many drugs as their first-generation counterparts, research says second-generation antihistamines are safer. Therefore, they carry a lower risk of drowsiness. Second-generation antihistamines are newer antihistamines that don’t cross the blood-brain barrier as easily as first-generation antihistamines.Popular brand names of first-generation antihistamines include Benadryl, Unisom, and Vistaril. As a result, they are often associated with certain side effects like drowsiness, sedation, and fatigue. First-generation antihistamines are effective at blocking the effects of histamine, but they readily cross the blood-brain barrier.Types of antihistaminesĪntihistamines are classified into two groups: Severe allergic reactions can lead to swelling and shortness of breath. The release of too much histamine can spur bothersome symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes, throat, or skin. Antihistamines are a class of drugs that generally work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical made by your immune system in response to common allergens like mold, dust, pollen, ragweed, pet dander, insect bites/stings, latex, or certain food.
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