Understanding Antihistamines

Filed in archive Allergy Medications , Living with Allergies on April 21, 2006

Confused about your allergy medications? Don't know which one to choose? Don't worry, you're not alone. But here's an article from the Lansing State Journal which might help you understand the lingo pharmacists and doctors use. Here are the key points:

• Find out the active ingredient, and not just the brand of your anti-allergy medication. This will help in screening and selecting the type of medication, whether --generic, branded or branded generic-- that might work for you.


• Although most popular brands are now non-drowsy formulations, some may still bring about drowsiness in some people. You'll have to try it out for yourself and see how it works for you.


• The best strategy is to take the allergy drugs continuously during the allergy season, and not just during attacks or flare-ups.
  


• Figure out if you need an antihistamine, or a decongestant, or both. The choice depends on the allergy symptoms you manifest.


• Check if your allergy meds contain "pseudoephedrine". This is a decongestant found in some antihistamines, but sale of pseudoephedrine-containing products is now restricted.

The article also provides a small chart comparing some of the most widely prescribed and used allergy medications. Of course, if your brand is not listed, you can simply check the labels and package inserts of your medicine.