Yes, it is generally considered safe to take modern, second-generation antihistamines every day to manage chronic allergy symptoms, provided you follow the dosage instructions and consult with a healthcare professional.
If you're using oral antihistamines very often, you might have wondered if it's OK to keep relying on antihistamines to control symptoms of allergies. The good news is there's no research evidence to suggest regular, long-term use of modern antihistamines is a problem.
Loratadine (Claritin)
Loratadine is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects reported, generally meaning it's safe for long-term use.
Some antihistamines you only take once a day. Others, you can take more than once a day. How long you can take it: You can take some types of antihistamines long term. But others are only for short-term use (a few days).
the advice of a pharmacist or doctor - do not use for more than 7-10 days Antihistamines help reduce allergic symptoms by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine. Histamine is produced by the body in response to foreign substances that the body is allergic to.
Antihistamines that make you sleepy can be useful as a sleep aid once in a while. But tolerance to the effects of these antihistamines develops quickly. That means the more often you take them, the less likely they are to make you sleepy.
The choice between Claritin and Zyrtec depends on individual needs. Claritin has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use, while Zyrtec acts faster and is more effective at relieving severe symptoms. However, Zyrtec may cause drowsiness. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Non-drowsy oral antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine), are also safe options. Nasalcrom (cromolyn) nasal spray and antihistamine eye drops, such as Zaditor (ketotifen) are also safe for older adults.
FDA is warning that patients discontinuing the antihistamine allergy medicines cetirizine or levocetirizine after long-term use may experience severe pruritus. This has been reported in patients using the medicines daily, typically for at least a few months and often years.
Can I Take Reactine® Every Day? During allergy season, you can rely on Reactine® by taking it once daily, any time of day for symptom relief. However, you should not depend solely on Reactine® or continue to take it daily outside of allergy season, unless directed by your doctor.
Features of toxicity are likely to develop within 6 hours of overdose and include tachycardia, blood pressure disturbances, dry mouth, ataxia, agitation, psychosis and, uncommonly, convulsions or arrhythmias. Sedation is exacerbated by co-ingestion of other central nervous system depressants including alcohol.
Corticosteroid sprays, also called glucocorticoid sprays, prevent and relieve nasal allergy symptoms. These medicines are very effective on their own for treating ongoing or seasonal hay fever.
For people who take an antihistamine such as Benadryl for a cold or allergies, drowsiness is often a welcome side effect. But a Baylor College of Medicine sleep expert cautions against turning to this type of medication as a sleep aid.
Antihistamines are generally viewed as safe, even for people with heart disease or high blood pressure. However, the FDA does state that antihistamines could elevate heart rate and blood pressure temporarily. Additionally, some antihistamine drugs also contain decongestant ingredients.
Side effects of antihistamines
Some elderly people may have higher risk of side effects because of poor kidney function. The drowsiness and fatigue which may occur in a small percentage of patients may be more of a problem for the elderly because of the increased risk of bone fracture if they fall.
Promethazine is an antihistamine used to treat and prevent allergies and motion sickness. It belongs to groups of medicines called antihistamines. This medicine is not suitable for children 6 years and under. Promethazine is also called Phenergan or Allersoothe.
Side effects of antihistamines may include:
Some people also take Benadryl as a sleep aid since it causes drowsiness. The recommended Benadryl dosage for sleep is 50 mg by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime in adults and kids age 12 years and older. You shouldn't take Benadryl for longer than 2 weeks (14 days) at a time.