Prescription antihistamine available online

The 2 types of antihistamine medications are called:

-Non-drowsy antihistamine – Also called second-generation antihistamines, medicines like loratadine, acrivastine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine, have fewer odds of making people sleepy.

-Drowsy antihistamine – First generation antihistamines like cinnarizine, promethazine, diphenhydramine, chlorphenamine (Piriton), and hydroxyzine can make people sleepy.

You can get antihistamines with or without a prescription. OTC products include Allegra, Benadryl, Claritin, Chlor-Trimeton, Tavist, and others. Some are prescription-only medicines with higher concentrations of active ingredients than their OTC counterparts. These can consist of Clarinex, Palgic, Phenergan, and others.

There is no specific antihistamine type that works best for everyone. Some people find specific types to work better for them. The non-drowsy variants seem a popular option when carrying out daily activities. But, if the allergy symptoms stop you from sleeping, then the drowsy medicine can be a more suitable alternative.

Antihistamines that bind to H-2 receptors are often used to treat upper gastrointestinal problems. These problems are triggered by too much stomach acid. H-2 antihistamines can treat the symptoms of:

Antihistamines function by blocking or reducing histamine. Thus, stopping the symptoms of an allergy. When the body comes in contact with an allergy trigger, it stimulates the production of a substance called histamine. That trigger can be anything, from dust mites and pollen to pet dander and ragweed.

The tissue in the nose begins to swell, which ends up causing a running or blocked nose. And watery eyes. At other times, people get hives or other skin rashes, which cause itchy skin. Antihistamines are here to stop the reaction to indoor, food, and seasonal allergies.

A healthcare provider might suggest using a decongestant with an antihistamine for a blocked nose. Nasal sprays work to ease the sneezing, runny, or itchy nose, including a postnasal drip. The doctor can suggest eye drops if you are dealing with eye allergies. These drops work to ease the swollen, red, and itchy eyes.

You need to know how to store the allergy meds to make sure they work. Each medication has unique storage requirements, such as keeping them at room temperature or in the fridge. Check the exact storage instructions on the product you are using. You'll need to store the medicine in a dry area, preferably the bedroom. Avoid putting them in the kitchen or bathroom. Moisture and heat can damage the medicine.

Keep the product away from the reach of pets and children. If you notice the antihistamines have expired, throw them away. Don’t use the medicine beyond its expiration date. Keep the original packaging or container of the product. These are designed to provide the medication with optimal storage. If you plan to travel, carry the medicine into the cabin. The cabin maintains stable moisture and temperature levels, which can work well for your medication.

Most syrups and liquids require storage of about 15°C to 30°C. This means you wouldn’t be storing it in the fridge. Check the packaging on the bottle to find optimal storage. Keep the product closed when not in use to prevent a contamination risk with eye drops. Store it away from direct sunlight. Light and heat can also damage sprays.

When taken as prescribed, antihistamines are generally well tolerated. However, they can still cause some side effects.

The most common side effect of antihistamines is drowsiness. Other less common side effects include:

In rare cases, antihistamines may cause serious side effects. These can include:

According to peer-reviewed studies, H-1 antihistamines typically cause more noticeable side effects. These side effects are more common with first-generation antihistamines, whereas second-generation antihistamines have limited side effects.

H-2 receptors tend to be well-tolerated. But, they can still cause side effects. Gastrointestinal changes, confusion, dizziness, and fatigue can occur.  

Antihistamines are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.

Before you take a prescribed antihistamine, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions or issues: