If you have allergies there’s a good chance you have a relationship with Benadryl, or some other form of antihistamine medication, that keeps the sneezing and eye watering to a minimum. Or maybe you know antihistamines as a first defense from hives when you’ve gotten into something like poison ivy. Or still, maybe you have a life-threatening allergy and keep antihistamines and an epi-pen on standby for emergencies. Either way, antihistamines are something nearly everyone can say they have taken at one time or another. But what exactly are antihistamines? Are there different types of antihistamines? When should they be taken? We have some answers to these questions for you, via medlineplus.gov!
What are antihistamines? Antihistamines are a group of medications that block the effects of a histamine response by your body (AKA it’s reaction to allergens).
Are there different types of antihistamines? Yes, there are different types of antihistamines. Common ones are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin).
When should they be taken? Some people take antihistamines daily for common allergens they encounter, others take them seasonally, and still others take them only on occasion. A care provider can help you determine what it best for your situation.
If you are dealing with allergies or have questions about antihistamines our centers would love to help! Our urgent care centers are open every day of the week 8:00 am to 8:00 pm- No appointment necessary! We offer Rapid Antigen and send-out PCR COVID-19 testing, as well as COVID-19 antibody testing. To be seen by a provider, simply walk in, or save your spot online by clicking here! For information on E-registration to save time click here. Telemedicine options are available here. We look forward to helping you Get Better. Faster!
