Health Tip: Using an Antihistamine

(HealthDay News) -- Antihistamines are medications used to prevent or treat allergy symptoms. Many of these medicines may be bought without a doctor's prescription.

The American Academy of Family Physicians has issued these guidelines for people who take an over-the-counter antihistamine:

  • Before you take an antihistamine, talk to your doctor if you have a chronic health condition, including heart disease, high blood pressure or thyroid disease.
  • Before you take an antihistamine, talk to your doctor if you also take a sleeping pill, sedative or muscle relaxant. These other medicines may interact with an antihistamine.
  • If you take an antihistamine that is combined with a decongestant or pain reliever, carefully check the label for potential interactions with your other medications.
  • Be careful that you aren't taking more than one medication that contains an antihistamine. This could cause you to take more than you need.

    • Date Published: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Tools You Can Use to Control Winter Asthma, Allergy Symptoms

    Sun Plus Certain Foods, Meds Can Bring on 'Margarita Rashes'

    Allergies Have You Stuffed Up? Nose Fungi May Be to Blame

    Back-to-School Tips to Helping Your Kids Breathe Easier

    Watchdog Group Says U.S. Food Recalls Rose Again Last Year

    Wildfires in Western U.S., Canada Create Hazardous Air Conditions

    How Early Antibiotic Use Could Raise Kids' Asthma Risk

    Vaping Linked to Earlier Onset of Asthma

    Back-to-School Tips to Helping Your Kids Breathe Easier

    COVID Does Not Spur Asthma in Kids, Study Finds

    This Season's Flu Vaccine Cuts Risk of Hospitalization by Almost 35%

    Texan Has Contracted H5N1 Bird Flu; CDC Calls Threat to Public 'Low'

    U.S. Government to Pay Moderna $176 Million to Develop mRNA Flu Vaccine

    Could OTC Nasal Sprays Ease Colds & Flu and Cut Antibiotic Use?

    Putting the Lid Down Won't Cut Germ Spread From a Toilet Flush