Guide To Over-The-Counter Antihistamines
Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is intended to treat seasonal allergies in children and adults. It also treats hives and itching related to chronic idiopathic urticaria. Patients over sixty-five years old should check with a doctor before using this medicine. Individuals with kidney disease should do this as well. Patients should not take this medication with any fruit juice, including orange, apple, or grapefruit juice. They should only do so with water. Patients who use the disintegrating tablets need to take them on an empty stomach.
Antacids can interfere with the absorption of fexofenadine. Thus, patients should not take them within two hours of using this antihistamine. This medication's side effects include back pain, headaches, sinus pain, sore throat, and stuffy nose. Patients who notice pain, a new or worsening cough, fever, chills, or fatigue during treatment should let their doctor know right away. Patients should check with their pharmacist or doctor before using fexofenadine with certain medications to avoid interactions. This includes erythromycin, ketoconazole, and opioids. Sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and anticonvulsants also cause interactions with this medication.
Loratadine
Loratadine helps relieve cold and allergy symptoms. This includes sneezing, skin rashes, watery eyes, hives, and a runny nose. In addition, it can treat hives and itching associated with chronic skin conditions. Patients with asthma, liver issues, or kidney conditions should check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking this antihistamine. Individuals with allergies to desloratadine should not take it.
The chewable forms of this medication could contain phenylalanine. Thus, phenylketonuria patients should consult their doctor first. Loratadine may cause drowsiness. Other commonly reported side effects include headaches, stomach pain, vomiting, dry mouth, hyperactivity, and anxiety. Patients should stop using this medication immediately and call their doctor if they develop a severe headache, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or feel lightheaded.
