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Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most effective medications for reducing the symptoms of sneezing, itchiness, and runny nose. They are not as effective in treating nasal congestion. This is one reason why antihistamines are often combined with decongestants such as
pseudoephedrine.
Histamine stimulates the production of mucus and the dilation of blood vessels. Allergy sufferers recognize histamine's effects as a runny nose and swollen nasal passages. Antihistamines prevent histamine from binding to histamine (H1) receptors, thereby blocking the histamine reaction. They are different from the medications called H2 blockers that are used to treat peptic ulcer disease and
heartburn.
Most antihistamines are taken orally two or more times per day. The earlier oral antihistamines caused sedation in 20% to 35% of patients, but most patients built up tolerance to this side effect after a few days. The newer antihistamines cause much less sedation and are longer acting than the earlier antihistamines. Side effects of all antihistamines can include dry eyes, blurred vision, urine retention, constipation, and fast pulse, although the exact types
of side effects can vary between the different medications.
Azelastine (Astelin) is an antihistamine in nasal spray form. It is usually given as 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily.
Drugs in the class
Brompheniramine (BroveX, BroveX CT, Lodrane 12 Hour ER Tablet)
Chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor, Allergy, Chlo-Amine, Chlor-Trimeton, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Efidac 24)
Promethazine Oral (Phenergan)
Azelastine Nasal Spray (Astelin)
Cyproheptadine (Periactin)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)
Dexchlorpheniramine Oral Syrup ()
Desloratadine (Clarinex)
Brompheniramine Oral Suspension (BroveX Oral Suspension)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Clemastine (Dayhist - 1, Tavist, Tavist Allergy)
Diphenhydramine Oral (AllerMax, Banophen, Benadryl, Diphenhist, Genahist)
Dexchlorpheniramine ER ()
Carbinoxamine (Histex CT) | 
