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Antihistamines
Available:
In tablet form, multiple strengths
and brands, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine
(Atarax, Vistaril), loratidine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra),
and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Dose:
Depends on brand
Indications:
Treatment of urticaria (hives) and other allergic skin
reactions, also useful in the treatment of hay fever or
allergic rhinitis
Side
effects: Drowsiness and impaired mental functioning may
occur while taking many of these medications; this may be less
of a concern with loratidine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine.
Dry mouth/eyes, constipation, abdominal pain, and blurred
vision may also occur on occasion.
Monitoring:
None recommended
Important
points to know: Those with dry mouth should increase
fluid intake (if no medical condition requires the patient to
limit fluid intake) or use sugarless candy or gum to reduce
these symptoms. Avoid operation of hazardous equipment until
you are familiar with how well you tolerate these agents.
Antihistamines may increase the sedating effects of alcohol,
tranquilizer, pain medications, or other sedating drugs. Make
sure your provider is aware of all of these potential
interactions, and provide an accurate medication list with
each visit. These medications should be taken with food to
reduce stomach side effects.
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