 |
| |
Allergy Medical
Information |
|
|
The doctors at Allergy &
Asthma Specialists, Ltd. ask you to remember that these are
generic descriptions of the medications and that your own
doctor's specific instructions should always be followed over
the information provided here.
Allergy Medications
Non-Sedating Antihistamines
Antihistamines are effective for sneezing, runny nose, and
itchy eyes. They are less effective for post-nasal drip, and
have little effect on nasal congestion. Unlike over-the-counter
antihistamines, the following antihistamines are non-sedating;
they will not make you tired, nor will they impair motor function
or mental acuity. Their onset of action is relatively rapid,
so they may be taken as needed; however, they will work better
if taken on a daily basis. Preparations with a "-D"
on the ends of their names contain a decongestant (go to the
links on the left for more information on decongestants).
You will need to stop the antihistamines four days prior to
allergy testing.
 Claritin:
1 tablet per day as needed
Claritin
Reditabs: 1 tablet per day as needed
Claritin
Syrup: Check with your doctor for proper dosage and instructions
Claritin-D
12-hour: 1 tablet twice a day as needed
Claritin-D
24-hour: 1 tablet per day
Allegra:
1 tablet twice a day as needed
Allegra-D: 1 tablet twice a day as needed
Low-Sedating Antihistamines
Some of the newer antihistamines are considered to be "low
sedating." This means that while over-the-counter antihistamines
cause sedation in more than 30% of patients, and decrease
motor function and mental acuity in even more, these newer
antihistamines only cause sedation in a few patients out of
a hundred.
Zyrtec causes sedation in about 7% of adults (4% of children),
while about 6% of patients on Astelin are sedated. Because
there is a small possibility of sedation, care should be taken
with the first few doses.
You will need to stop the antihistamines four days prior to
allergy testing.
Zyrtec: 1 tablet per day as needed
Zyrtec Syrup: Check with your doctor for proper dosage and
instructions
Astelin: 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day as needed
Decongestants
The "D" in Allegra-D and Claritin-D refers to the
decongestant pseudoephedrine. This and the decongestant phenylpropanolamine
are used alone or in conjunction with other medications to
relieve nasal congestion. Side effects include nervousness
and difficulty sleeping. Some patients, especially those with
enlarged prostates, may have difficulty urinating. Many of
these side effects can be avoided by giving the pediatric
dose, which is one-half of the adult dose.
Decongestants should not be taken by patients with hypertension,
glaucoma, diabetes, or thyroid problems without your doctor's
approval.
Entex LA: ½ - 1 tablet twice a day as needed
Entex PSE: ½ - 1 tablet twice a day as needed
Duratuss: ½ - 1 tablet twice a day as needed
Guaifed: 1 tablet twice a day as needed
Guaifed-PD: 1 tablet twice a day as needed
Dura-Vent: ½ - 1 tablet twice a day as needed
Mucolytics
Guaifenesin helps to thin out thick secretions in the sinuses
and lungs. It is helpful in treating coughs as well. There
are no serious side effects to this medication. It may be
prescribed alone or in a combination pill with a decongestant
and/or a cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan. Brand
names of these medications include, but are not limited to,
, ,
, ,
and . Water is an
excellent mucolytic, so drinking large quantities of water
is often helpful.
Duratuss-G (Guaifenesin): 1 tablet twice a day as needed for
postnasal drip
Nasal Steroids
Nasal steroids are very effective in preventing most of the
symptoms of allergic rhinitis. They usually take a few days
to reach their peak effect, and they must be used in advance
to prevent symptoms from occurring, so . They are not very good at
relieving symptoms once they have started.
Although they are steroids, they are very safe because almost
all of the medicine stays in the nose. Side effects are uncommon,
but can include headaches, sore throat, nasal irritation,
burning and drying, and nose bleeds. The nose bleeds usually
are not severe and can be avoided by directing the spray away
from the nasal septum.
There are two types of devices for delivering nasal steroids:
Aqueous sprays
Flonase
Nasacort AQ
Nasonex
Vancenase AQ
Aerosol sprays
Nasarel
Nasacort
Rhinocort
Vancenase Packethaler
Check with your doctor for proper dosage and instructions.
|
|
|
 |
