What are the problems with long term antihistamine use?

These common side effects include sedation, impaired motor function, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, blurred vision, urinary retention and constipation. Antihistamines can worsen urinary retention and narrow angle glaucoma. The antihistamines rarely cause liver injury.

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What happens if you take antihistamines long term?

Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning.

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Is it safe to take antihistamine for years?

David Shih, executive vice-president of strategy and former chief medical officer at CityMD, explained to The Cut that second-generation antihistamines, like the commonly available over-the-counter drug loratadine, are generally safe for long-term use.

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Is it bad to take antihistamine tablets everyday?

Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines: Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control. Only when you have symptoms. Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants.

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What are the long term side effects of allergy pills?

Long-term use can cause cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, stomach ulcers, increased blood sugar (glucose) and delayed growth in children. Oral corticosteroids can also worsen high blood pressure. Prescription oral corticosteroids include: Prednisolone (Prelone)

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Side effects due to prolonged use of antihistamines - Dr. Sriram Nathan

36 related questions found

Is it harmful to take Zyrtec everyday?

Is it safe to take Zyrtec every day? Yep. "When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn't show decreasing effectiveness if used daily," says Sima Patel, MD, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers.

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What are the long term effects of Zyrtec?

Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time. However it's best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there's a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly.

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What is the safest antihistamine to take daily?

Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines — ones that won't make you sleepy — for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Wall-Zyr®). Fexofenadine (Allegra®, Aller-ease®, Aller-Fex®, Wal-Fex®).

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Are antihistamines bad for your gut?

Antihistamines can be helpful when it comes to stomach acid problems, but they may also increase your risk for the Clostridium difficile infection.

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What is the safest antihistamine?

Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies.

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Is there a downside to antihistamines?

Side effects of antihistamines

sleepiness (drowsiness) and reduced co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement – do not drive or use machinery after taking these antihistamines. dry mouth. blurred vision. difficulty peeing.

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Is it bad to take antihistamines for months?

Non-sedating antihistamines are used in the long-term control of allergy, as in hay fever, eczema, sinusitis, and chronic urticaria. No serious side effects have been reported. Tolerance is not a problem.

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Can you just stop taking antihistamines?

Dr Grant confirms that many people can suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking antihistamines suddenly. Dr Grant recommends the patient resume taking the antihistamines and then slowly reduce the dose to wean off slowly.

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Do antihistamines build up in your system?

Antihistamines can ease your symptoms, but they work best when you take them before you feel a reaction. They can build up in your blood to protect against allergens and block the release of histamines.

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Is antihistamine bad for liver?

Non-sedating antihistamines can rarely cause acute liver injury. Although the liver damage is typically mild, if it occurs, antihistamines should be stopped. The liver function is usually only slightly deranged, and returns to normal with substitution of another antihistamine or cessation of the therapy.

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Can antihistamines damage kidneys?

Antihistamines. Medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom) can contribute to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury.

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What is the most troublesome side effect of traditional antihistamines?

Feeling drowsy or sleepy is one of the most common antihistamine side effects, especially in regard to first-generation antihistamines.

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Why was Zyrtec taken off the market?

Sandoz issued a voluntary recall of 1,023,430 units of Zyrtec (10 mg) capsules as a result of failed impurities and a specification being reported for impurity at the 21-month stability time point, according to an FDA Enforcement Report.

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What can I use as a natural antihistamine?

Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practices—such as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exercise—may also help you manage symptoms.

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What is the safest antihistamine for seniors?

So what can older adults safely take for allergy relief? Wozniak: Newer antihistamines such as Claritin® (loratadine) and Allegra® (fexofenadine) tend to be safer and better tolerated.

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What organ does Zyrtec affect?

Mechanism of Injury. The cause of acute liver injury from cetirizine is not known. It is metabolized by the liver and a toxic metabolite may account for idiosyncratic injury.

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Which is better Claritin or Zyrtec?

“Zyrtec is found to be more potent, or stronger, in laboratory studies, compared with Claritin,” says Dr. Kung. “It also reaches a higher concentration in the skin, which can be more helpful for skin-related allergies. However, Zyrtec has a greater chance of making you sleepy while taking it.”

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Can Zyrtec cause health problems?

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

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Can you go through withdrawal from Zyrtec?

Some patients have reported severe itching as a symptom of Zyrtec withdrawal. This itching may begin as soon as 12 hours after the last dose of Zyrtec and can affect every part of the body. Some patients report itching so severe that they cannot control scratching and have caused sores all over their bodies.

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How many days in a row can you use Zyrtec?

Is it okay to take ZYRTEC® over a long period of time? The ZYRTEC® package label doesn't state a limit on how long you can take ZYRTEC®. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions, especially if you're taking other medicines or being treated for any other conditions.

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