Allergies: they’re no joke when you’re trying to get on with your day. Symptoms like itching, sneezing and tummy upsets can really get in the way and affect your focus. You may also feel tired because allergy symptoms can affect your sleep - and because allergies cause your body to release chemicals that can cause fatigue.
That’s where antihistamines come in - they’re medicines that can help with allergy symptoms so you can get on with doing the things you want to do. But there are lots of different types, so how do you know which one to take? We look at how they work, what’s available - and how to get the best out of them so you can stop an allergy in its tracks.
Antihistamines are often used to manage
conditions like , , and allergic . They can also be used to relieve symptoms of , and .Antihistamines are normally divided into 2 types:
You can get both types of antihistamine from pharmacies. You may need a prescription to take certain antihistamines, like hydroxyzine.
Here are some of the antihistamines you can get from your pharmacist.
| Drowsy antihistamines | Non-drowsy antihistamines |
|---|---|
| cinnarizine (available in UK pharmacies but not in the US) | acrivastine |
| chlorphenamine maleate | cetirizine hydrochloride |
| promethazine (a prescription is needed in the US) | desloratadine |
| fexofenadine | |
| levocetirizine | |
| loratadine |
Antihistamines also come in a few different forms. Depending on your symptoms, you can take them as tablets, capsules, liquids, topical creams, eye drops or nasal sprays. If there’s a choice of antihistamine forms for your condition, you may just be able to pick the type you prefer.
With so many types of antihistamine to choose from, we’ve made it easier for you to find one that might suit you, depending on what type of allergy you have. Some antihistamines can work better for some people than others so you might need to take one for a few weeks to see how well it works, and try a different one if you’re still having symptoms. “It’s up to you whether you want to take a drowsy or non-drowsy antihistamine,” says
, clinical content reviewer. “If your symptoms are worse at night, you may want to take a drowsy one. Just watch out for any effects that carry over to the next morning, as some people will continue to feel sleepy for longer. If you do, don’t drive.”Antihistamines like cinnarizine can also be used to treat nausea, motion sickness and vertigo. It’s thought they work on the part of your brain that controls nausea and vomiting.
You may find it helps to use eye drops that contain an antihistamine, such as olopatadine or azelastine, to ease discomfort. These antihistamines are fast-acting but may cause some irritation, stinging or blurred vision when you first put the drop in.
We all love our pets but can sometimes be allergic to proteins in their skin flakes (dander), urine or saliva which can end up on their hair and around the house. Taking a daily non-sedating antihistamine tablet, such as loratidine or cetirizine, can help prevent these symptoms. If sneezing or a runny nose are your main symptoms, you might be recommended an antihistamine nasal spray.
If you accidentally eat a food that triggers symptoms, antihistamines can help in milder cases. They’re unlikely to help with a significant food allergy, though. If you’re allergic to a particular food, you should avoid it at all times and carry an adrenaline auto-injector pen in case you have a
.Always take your antihistamine the way your doctor or pharmacist has told you, or follow the instructions in the leaflet that comes with it. If you have any questions about which type of antihistamine to take, or whether it’s safe for you to use antihistamines with other medications you’re taking, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Advice on how to take antihistamines can be different, depending on which one you're using. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions or aren’t sure how to take it. Make sure you know:
When you’re taking an antihistamine, especially a drowsy one,
can increase your chances of feeling sleepy. Other foods and drinks don’t usually cause problems.If you already take other medicines, prescribed or from the pharmacy, check with your GP or pharmacist before taking antihistamines. Some types of cough and cold remedies already have an antihistamine in them, and you should also avoid antihistamines with some types of stomach ulcer and indigestion medicines, and with antidepressants. If you’re taking any of these medicines, your doctor will help you find other ways to manage your allergies.
We know how easy it can be to forget to take your antihistamine every day, whether it’s a pill or eye drops, but these simple tips can help:
You can take antihistamines as and when you need them - for example, if you have occasional problems with an allergy, or your allergy’s seasonal, you only need to use them then. For some conditions you may need to take them every day in the long term but talk it all through with your doctor to make sure you’re on the best treatment for you.
The older, sedating antihistamines are likely to make you feel sleepy. Drowsiness is listed as a common or very common side effect of antihistamines like chlorphenamine, meaning lots of people who take them could be affected - as many as 1 in 10 or more. They may also affect your coordination and concentration. If you take these, you shouldn’t drive, cycle or operate machinery - and remember, if you’ve taken one at night you may still feel drowsy the next morning. Other common side effects can include dry mouth, blurred vision and nausea.
As these don’t cross from your blood into your brain as easily, non-drowsy antihistamines won’t usually make you feel as sleepy. But drowsiness is still considered a common side effect in antihistamines like loratadine, although it’s likely to be mild. You’re more likely to feel drowsy after taking non-drowsy antihistamines if you drink alcohol with them or if you take a large dose. If you take an antihistamine and you start to feel tired or sleepy, you shouldn’t drive, cycle or operate machinery.
Other side effects are rare.
Your pharmacist can often help with queries about antihistamines but there are some times when it’s key to see a doctor.
If you’ve been taking antihistamines but you’re still struggling with your allergy symptoms, your doctor can help you work out the reasons why - and find other ways to get your symptoms under control. Your antihistamines might not be working because:
Most people can take non-prescription antihistamines from the pharmacy without having any serious side effects, but you should always follow the instructions that come with your medicine, and talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you’re worried.
Call an ambulance or go to your local emergency department immediately if you have any symptoms of
- this is the most serious type of allergic reaction and can be fatal. Symptoms come on quickly after being exposed to whatever you’re allergic to (such as a type of food or an insect sting), and include:###I’ve heard there’s a link between antihistamines and dementia - should I be concerned?
Some recent studies have suggested there may be a possible link between the long-term use of the older, sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, promethazine and clemastine, and the risk of developing
.But try not to be worried if you’ve been taking drowsy antihistamines for a while. Most of the studies linking these medicines with dementia have looked at older people who had been taking antihistamines for a long time. They may also have had other conditions and been taking other medicines that could have raised their risk. At the moment, there isn’t solid evidence that taking these sorts of antihistamines means you’re more likely to develop dementia later in life - more studies are needed.
That said, it’s probably sensible to try to avoid these antihistamines if you can, especially in the long term - your doctor or pharmacist may suggest trying one of the newer, non-drowsy types instead (these haven’t been linked with dementia). If the drowsy antihistamines work better for you, try to only use them occasionally for short periods - for example, up to a month. It’s always important to weigh up the benefits you get from any medicine against the potential risks, so speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns. – Answered by
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.