What about combination antihistamine/decongestant
preparations?
Pharmacy shelves are packed with these preparations.
They are useful for runny, itchy, and stuffy noses and are
available OTC or by prescription. The liquid preparations
are convenient for children as well as the elderly who may
need a lesser dosage than is available in tablet forms. 12-
and 24-hour preparations are available to make taking the
medications more practical. Interestingly, the stimulant
effect of the decongestant may counteract the drowsiness
effect of the antihistamine and make the combination well
tolerated.
Allergy Fact
Six of the top ten highest selling nonprescription
medications (in 1990) were Dimetapp, Benadryl, Actifed,
Drixoral, Comtrex, and Chlortrimeton. OTC antihistamine
sales exceed $500 million per year and up to $2 billion per
year when antihistamine-decongestant combinations are
included.
Table IV: Common Antihistamine/Decongestant
Preparations
Two broad categories of decongestants
are available. Rapid release products need to be taken 3 to 4 times
a day and provide a lower dose of both the
antihistamine and decongestant. These medicines help people who
are more troubled by side effects but they are less
practical than the sustained release preparations, which need to
be taken only once or twice per day.
Allergy Alert
When you switch OTC antihistamine/decongestant
combinations, please read the label. Make sure the
ingredients and the dosages are different from the ones you
used to take. Otherwise, you may be buying the same
medication with a different name, color, shape, and
price.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependant upon the type of rhinitis condition.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
Common sources of indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Managing allergies caused by indoor allergens means reducing your exposure to them.
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