9/13/2023 0 Comments Prescription allergy medIn contrast, cetirizine does cross the blood-brain barrier and is more likely to cause sedation. This is probably because fexofenadine doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier very much at all. It was also found to cause fewer changes in cognitive and motor skills (like hand-eye coordination) than other second-generation antihistamines. And a statistical analysis of multiple studies found that fexofenadine is less sedating. According to drug safety monitoring reports, loratadine and fexofenadine are less likely to cause sedation than cetirizine. Research suggests that fexofenadine is the least sedating of the newer antihistamines. So again, we can’t draw firm conclusions. None of the studies in these analyses compared the medications directly, though. In terms of which non-drowsy antihistamine works best, one statistical analysis suggested that levocetirizine improved allergic rhinitis symptoms to a greater degree than other newer antihistamines (including desloratadine and fexofenadine). Here’s a summary of some of the research.Īccording to a review of multiple studies, desloratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine helped relieve nasal congestion from allergies better than placebo (a dummy pill). But overall, the research hints that levocetirizine may have a slight edge over the others for relieving allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, we don’t have many head-to-head studies on non-drowsy antihistamines for allergies. Which works best for symptoms of allergic rhinitis? Let’s look at a few things you might consider when deciding on which of the newer antihistamines to try. The best choice of antihistamine for you depends on what’s most important to you. For example, cetirizine can start working as soon as 20 minutes after taking it and lasts for 24 hours. Second-generation antihistamines also tend to kick in faster and last longer in your body. They don’t cause dry mouth, constipation, or urinary problems. These newer antihistamines have major advantages over their first-generation cousins. Second- and third-generation antihistamines include: In fact, one of them actually does cause sedation. This makes them less likely to cause drowsiness. However, they don’t cross the blood-brain barrier as much as the older antihistamines. As antihistamines, they block histamine’s effects just like first-generation antihistamines do. Most of the newer, second- or third-generation antihistamines are considered “non-drowsy.” But this isn’t entirely accurate. These medications can also cause dry mouth, constipation, and trouble urinating. They’re also linkedto impaired driving as well as fatal car and flying accidents. They may increase the risk of falls or fractures in people 65 years or older. They also have “drying” effects that can help with a runny nose.ĭrowsiness is something to be aware of with first-generation antihistamines. This is to provide a side benefit of drowsiness when you’re feeling ill and need plenty of rest. The first-generation antihistamines are also often used in cold-and-flu products. That’s why these older antihistamines are often marketed as sleep aids. This is a system of cells that regulates what substances pass into the brain. The first-generation antihistamines can make you drowsy because they cross the blood-brain barrier. These are sometimes called, “first-generation antihistamines.” Examples include: Sedation (drowsiness) is a prominent side effect of older antihistamines. Why do some antihistamines make you sleepy? Blocking histamine helps relieve those symptoms. That’s when you experience allergy symptoms like itching, congestion, and runny nose. This kick starts your body to try to get rid of the allergen. When your body senses an allergen or trigger - whether it’s pollen, pet dander, or peanuts - it releases histamine into your system. Histamine is a natural chemical in your body that drives allergy symptoms. Some are also taken to prevent motion sickness and to help you sleep.Īntihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine. Oral antihistamines are medications commonly used for seasonal allergies, hives, and the common cold. But with so many options at the pharmacy, which antihistamine should you choose? How do antihistamines work? Many of us reach for antihistamines to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also known as allergies or hay fever. Sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
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