Posts Tagged ‘Antihistamines’
Drugs for Asthma and Allergies I
Over 50 million people in the United States suffer from asthma and allergies. Fortunately, today there are many effective medications to treat these diseases.
The following information is intended to help asthma and allergy sufferers better understand the most common types of drugs. Not intended to be a specific recommendation for treatment. You should consult your personal physician to choose the best treatment plan to control your allergy and asthma.
Antihistamines: If you are allergic, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to treat allergic rhinitis (“hay fever”) and other conditions such as urticaria.
Antihistamines may diminish the effects of histamine (a chemical produced by the body during an allergic reaction). By preventing the action of histamine, allergy symptoms can be reduced. Antihistamines come in liquid, tablet or nasal spray.
Antihistamines are divided into:
* “First-generation sedating” known to cause drowsiness in some people
* “Second-generation nonsedating moderate sedation” are much less likely to cause drowsiness