GENERIC NAME: ANTIHISTAMINES - ORAL
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Antihistamines are used to treat rash, hives, watery eyes, runny nose, itching, and sneezing due to allergies or the common cold. They may also be used to treat motion sickness, anxiety, or as a sleep aid (for insomnia).
HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Sustained-release or long acting tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole. Chewing or crushing the sustained-release/long acting tablets or capsules will destroy the long action and may increase side effects. For chewable tablets, chew thoroughly and swallow. Shake suspensions well before taking.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, vision changes, irritability, dry mouth and nose. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, pounding or irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, difficulty urinating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma (narrow angle), stomach ulcers, difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, lung problems, overactive thyroid. Change from a seated or lying position slowly to avoid dizziness. Use caution in performing activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake to avoid excessive drowsiness. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Do not give long-acting antihistamines to a child younger than 12 years of age nor other dose forms of antihistamines to a child younger than 6 years of age without doctor approval. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Rash - Learn about rash causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Common skin rashes include poison ivy, hives, shingles, eczema, contact dermatitis, ringworm, psoriasis and impetigo.
- Hives - Read about hives (urticaria) causes (allergy, stress), rash symptoms (skin welts, raised red itchy bumps) and treatment. Dermatographism and swelling (angioedema) may accompany hives.
- Panic Attacks - Read about panic attack (panic disorder) symptoms, causes (stress, anxiety, fear) and treatment (medication, psychotherapy). Learn how to prevent panic attacks.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Allergy RSS