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Antihistamines

by Alivia Nyhan

Antihistamines are medicines that relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergies. They work by preventing the action of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body in response to an allergy. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, and increased mucus production. Antihistamines are available as tablets, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops. There are many antihistamines, and they are generally classified into two groups: older, sedating antihistamines and newer, non-sedating antihistamines. Sedating antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton).

What is histamine?

Histamine is a molecule released by the body in response to an injury or allergic reaction. It is a part of the immune system, and it works to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the area of injury or infection. Histamine also works to increase the permeability of blood vessels, which allows white blood cells and other immune cells to reach the site of injury or infection more quickly.

What allergic symptoms do histamines cause?

Histamines cause a number of symptoms, including itching, swelling, and runny nose. They are released when the body comes into contact with an allergen and can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.

What are antihistamines?

Antihistamines are drugs that are used to relieve allergy symptoms. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance produced by the body in response to an allergy-causing substance. Histamine can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching. Antihistamines can be taken orally or applied topically.

Some Common Antihistamines:

Cetirizine: Cetirizine is a common antihistamine used to treat allergies, hay fever, and hives. It is a second-generation antihistamine that is less likely to cause drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines. Cetirizine is available over-the-counter and by prescription.

Desloratadine: Desloratadine is a third-generation antihistamine used to treat allergies and hives. It is a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine that is less likely to cause drowsiness than other antihistamines.

Dimenhydrinate: Dramamine is an over-the-counter medication to treat and prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Dimenhydrinate is in a class of drugs called antihistamines. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

Loratadine: Loratadine is a popular antihistamine used to treat hay fever and other allergies. It is available over the counter and does not require a prescription. Loratadine works by blocking histamine receptors, which prevents the histamine from binding and causing an allergic reaction.

Polaramine: Polaramine and pyrilamine are two types of antihistamines. They work by blocking histamine receptors, which prevents histamine from binding to them. This reduces the symptoms of allergies.

Levigrix: Levigrix is an antihistamine that is used to treat seasonal allergies. It works by blocking the action of histamine, which is a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Levigrix is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription.

Visertral: Visertral is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication. It is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

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