Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Doctors can provide appropriate dosage recommendations based on a person’s symptoms and health status. Pregnant women should speak with their doctor before taking antihistamines. However, taking high doses of promethazine, which is a first-generation sedating antihistamine, may cause adverse side effects during pregnancy. It is safe for pregnant women to take most first- and second-generation antihistamines at low doses. However, terfenadine, which is one of the antihistamines associated with liver damage, is no longer available for clinical use. These may include:Īlthough rare, long-term use of non-sedating antihistamines (second- and third-generation) use may result in mild liver damage. ![]() ![]() However, antihistamines can cause mild side effects in some people. Most people can safely take low doses of OTC or prescription antihistamines for short periods. ![]() The AAPCC helpline is open 24 hours and is toll-free. If a person suspects that they are experiencing an overdose, they should seek immediate medical attention or call the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) for advice at 1-80. If a person overdoses on sedating antihistamines, they may experience cardiac abnormalities or seizures. Other antihistamines may be prescription only because of the risk of adverse side effects.Įxamples of antihistamines that require a prescription include:Īnyone taking antihistamines or any medication should check the label to see which active ingredients the medication contains to avoid the risk of an overdose. Some types of antihistamines are only available by prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.Īntihistamines that require prescriptions may contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than OTC types. People can speak with a doctor if they need help deciding which type of antihistamine is right for them. Types of over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines include: They are available in several different forms, such as tablets, gel capsules, nasal sprays, and eye drops. People can purchase a variety of antihistamines at their local pharmacies. These antihistamines are safe for adults and children over 12 years old to use.Īccording to the authors of one 2019 review, second- and third-generation antihistamines are safer and more potent than the first-generation types.Įxamples of second- and third-generation antihistamines include: This means they do not have such significant effects on the CNS as first-generation types. According to an article in the journal National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, second- and third-generation antihistamines are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier. ![]() Second- and third-generation antihistamines do not have sedative properties. Other examples of first-generation antihistamines include:Īlthough several types of first-generation antihistamines are available, some healthcare professionals may not recommend them if a newer version is available. Other severe side effects associated with first-generation antihistamines include: By binding to receptors in the CNS, first-generation antihistamines can impair cognitive and motor functions and cause drowsiness. H1receptors in the CNS help regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle.įirst-generation antihistamines have sedative properties. First-generationįirst-generation oral antihistamines, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), easily cross the blood-brain barrier and affect H1 receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). There is a range of antihistamines available.
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