Use of traditional antihistamines has until recently been associated with a number of undesirable side-effects, the most troublesome of which is sedation. There are two aspects to sedation.
Some of the common side effects of first-generation antihistamines include: Drowsiness. Dry mouth, dry eyes. Blurred or double vision.
First-generation H1 antihistamines
This potentially leads to adverse CNS symptoms such as drowsiness, sedation, somnolence, fatigue, and headache. More importantly, it potentially impairs cognitive function, memory, and psychomotor performance.
Antihistamine Risks and Anticholinergic Syndrome
This leads to significant central nervous system side effects, including sedation, drowsiness, somnolence, fatigue, cognitive decline, psychomotor effects, and loss of coordination.
Summary: Peripheral neuropathy is found among people who take Benadryl, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 – 6 months.
This is based upon their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier at recommended dosages. Sedating antihistamines can cause many short-term effects such as urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth, increased appetite, and worsen narrow-angle glaucoma via their action on cholinergic receptors.
Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies. However, as with all medications, there may be some side effects. Loratadine—present in Claritin—may not be safe for people with severe liver conditions.
Natural antihistamines may help you control your seasonal allergies. Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practices—such as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exercise—may also help you manage symptoms.
So what can older adults safely take for allergy relief? Wozniak: Newer antihistamines such as Claritin® (loratadine) and Allegra® (fexofenadine) tend to be safer and better tolerated.
Is it safe to use antihistamines every day? In general, most of the available over-the-counter antihistamines are safe for long-term use. There are some potential side effects and there are some cases where long-term antihistamine use can worsen urinary retention or narrow angle glaucoma.
Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, urinary retention, increased ocular pressure are relative contraindications to the use of antihistamines.
These common side effects include sedation, impaired motor function, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, blurred vision, urinary retention and constipation. Antihistamines can worsen urinary retention and narrow angle glaucoma. The antihistamines rarely cause liver injury.
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth/nose/throat, headache, upset stomach, constipation, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Greg Panico, a spokesman for Janssen Pharmaceutica, which is owned by Johnson and Johnson, said that the withdrawal was a voluntary business decision. “The decision to voluntarily discontinue it recognises that the allergy marketplace is crowded with a number of other drugs,” Mr Panico said.
Second-generation antihistamines are effective in elderly patients with allergic rhinitis in drops and oral forms.
Telfast contains fexofenadine hydrochloride, which is a non-drowsy antihistamine. Telfast 180 mg is used in adults and adolescents of 12 years and older to relieve the symptoms that occur with long term allergic skin reactions (chronic idiopathic urticaria) such as itching, swelling and rashes.
Both medications are used to treat the same symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat, and hives. In a clinical trial, both medications appeared to be equally effective in treating allergy symptoms.
Regular use for chronic allergies
You may take an antihistamine every day to keep long-term allergy symptoms under control.
Antihistamines can be helpful when it comes to stomach acid problems, but they may also increase your risk for the Clostridium difficile infection.
Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines: Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control. Only when you have symptoms. Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants.
Antihistamines are known risk factors for restless legs syndrome (RLS).