There are 2 main types of medication that can be used to relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction to foods Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Many antihistamines are available from your pharmacist without prescription – stock up in case of an emergency. Non-drowsy antihistamines are preferred. Some antihistamines, such as alimemazine and
promethazine, aren't suitable for children under the age of 2. If you have a younger child with a food allergy, ask your GP about what types of antihistamines may be suitable. Avoid drinking alcohol after taking an antihistamine as this can make you feel drowsy. Adrenaline works by narrowing the blood vessels to counteract the effects of low blood
pressure and opening up the airways to help ease breathing difficulties. You'll be given an auto-injector of adrenaline to use in case of emergencies if you or your child is at risk of anaphylaxis or had a previous episode of anaphylaxis. Read the manufacturer's instructions that come with the auto-injector carefully and train your child how to use it when they are old enough. If you suspect that somebody is experiencing a
severe allergic reaction, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator that you think the person has anaphylaxis. Older children and adults will probably have been trained to inject themselves. You may need to inject younger children or older children and adults who are too sick to inject themselves. There are 3 types of auto-injectors:
They all work in much the same way. If anaphylaxis is suspected, you should remove the safety cap from the injector and press firmly against the thigh, holding it at a right angle, without using the thumb at the end. A "click" indicates the auto-injector has been activated, and it should be held in place for 10 seconds. Ensure you're familiar with the device and know the correct end to place against the thigh. The injections can be given through clothing. This will send a needle into your thigh and deliver a dose of adrenaline. If the person is unconscious, check their airways are open and clear, and check their breathing. Then put them in the recovery position. Putting someone who is unconscious in the recovery position ensures they don't choke if they were to vomit. Place the person on their side, making sure they're supported by one leg and one arm. Open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin. If the person's breathing or heart stops, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed. Owning an auto-injectorAs a precaution, the following advice should be taken:
Page last reviewed: 15 April 2019 We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. About antihistamines When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases a substance called histamine. Histamine causes allergy symptoms when it binds to receptors on certain cells in your body. Antihistamines work by decreasing the effects of histamine at certain cell receptors. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines can help treat symptoms such as:
Read on to learn how the different brand-name antihistamines can help treat your allergy symptoms.
First-generation OTC oral antihistamines, including diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine, are the oldest group. They are sedating, which means they’re likely to make you drowsy after you use them. They also don’t last as long in your system, so they require more frequent dosing than the newer generations. First-generation brands include Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton. BenadrylThe first-generation antihistamine diphenhydramine is the main active ingredient in Benadryl. Benadryl helps relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and nose or throat itching. These symptoms may be due to hay fever, other upper respiratory allergies, or the common cold. Benadryl can also be used to treat hives and to reduce redness and itching. It comes in a tablet, a chewable tablet, a tablet that dissolves in your mouth, a capsule, a liquid-filled capsule, and a liquid. Benadryl also comes in topical forms, such as creams, gels, and sprays, to treat allergic skin conditions such as hives. Other common OTC brands that include the antihistamine diphenhydramine include:
Chlor-TrimetonChlorpheniramine is the main active ingredient in Chlor-Trimeton. It helps relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and nose and throat itching from hay fever. It also helps relieve other respiratory allergies. It comes in an immediate-release tablet, an extended-release tablet, a chewable tablet, a lozenge, a capsule, and a liquid. Other common brands with chlorpheniramine as a main active ingredient include:
Side effects of first-generation antihistaminesSome of the more common side effects of first-generation antihistamines can include:
Some side effects that are not as common include:
Some serious side effects can include:
All of these side effects are more common in older people. WarningsIf you have an enlarged prostate that makes it difficult for you to urinate, you should talk to your doctor before using first-generation antihistamines. These drugs can make your urination problem worse. You should also talk to your doctor before using these drugs if you have any of these health concerns:
If you take other drugs that can make you drowsy, such as sedatives or tranquilizers, talk to your doctor before using first-generation antihistamines. You should also avoid drinking alcohol with any antihistamine because it can increase the side effect of drowsiness. The newer second-generation and third-generation OTC oral antihistamines were developed to target their action on more specific receptors. This helps decrease side effects, including drowsiness. Also, these drugs work longer in your body so you need fewer doses. ZyrtecCetirizine is the main active ingredient in Zyrtec. It helps relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and nose or throat itching from hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. Zyrtec can also be used to help relieve redness and itching due to hives. Zyrtec comes in a tablet, a chewable tablet, a tablet that dissolves in your mouth, a liquid-filled capsule, and a syrup. Other common OTC brands with cetirizine as the main active ingredient include:
Side effectsSome common side effects of Zyrtec can include:
Serious side effects can include trouble breathing or swallowing. Warnings
ClaritinLoratadine is the main active ingredient in Claritin. It helps relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat due to hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. Claritin can also be used to treat hives. It comes in a tablet, a tablet that dissolves in your mouth, a chewable tablet, a liquid-filled capsule, and a syrup. Loratadine is also the main active ingredient in these other OTC brands:
Side effectsSome of the common side effects of Claritin can include:
Serious side effects of Claritin can include allergic reactions. Symptoms can include:
Warnings
AllegraFexofenadine is the main active ingredient in Allegra. It helps relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. Allegra can also be used to treat hives and skin rash. It comes in a tablet, a tablet that dissolves in your mouth, a gel-coated capsule, and a liquid. Side effectsSome of the common side effects of Allegra can include:
Serious side effects of Allegra can include allergic reaction. Symptoms include:
Warnings
If you have allergies, you have a range of choices for OTC medications. These include brand-name antihistamines such as:
If you’re not sure which medication might be best for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. And if you take other medications to treat allergy symptoms, make sure that the active ingredients are not the same or in the same drug class as the active ingredient in the antihistamine you want to take. You don’t want to take too much of any particular drug. To help prevent this, always check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you’d like to shop for antihistamines, you’ll find a range of products here. What is a substitute for Benadryl?Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Fexofenadine (Allegra) Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)
What can I take for an allergic reaction?Antihistamines. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Many antihistamines are available from your pharmacist without prescription – stock up in case of an emergency. Non-drowsy antihistamines are preferred.
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