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antihystamines [2025.07.29 16:21] – created Steve Isenbergantihystamines [2025.07.29 16:42] (current) – Steve Isenberg
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 ===== Comparison of Common Over-the-Counter Antihistamines ===== ===== Comparison of Common Over-the-Counter Antihistamines =====
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 | Loratadine | Claritin | 2nd Gen | Very low | 24 hrs | No known link | Allergies | | Loratadine | Claritin | 2nd Gen | Very low | 24 hrs | No known link | Allergies |
 | Diphenhydramine | Benadryl | 1st Gen | High | 4–6 hrs | Yes (with long-term use) | Allergies, sleep aid | | Diphenhydramine | Benadryl | 1st Gen | High | 4–6 hrs | Yes (with long-term use) | Allergies, sleep aid |
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 ==== ✅ Safest to Use (Short and Long Term) ==== ==== ✅ Safest to Use (Short and Long Term) ====
  
 The second-generation antihistamines — ‘‘cetirizine’’, ‘‘fexofenadine’’, and ‘‘loratadine’’ — are generally safer for most people, especially for long-term use: The second-generation antihistamines — ‘‘cetirizine’’, ‘‘fexofenadine’’, and ‘‘loratadine’’ — are generally safer for most people, especially for long-term use:
- • They don’t cross the blood-brain barrier as easily, so they cause less drowsiness +  * They don’t cross the blood-brain barrier as easily, so they cause less drowsiness 
- • No solid evidence links them to dementia +  * No solid evidence links them to dementia 
- • Often recommended by allergists for chronic allergy relief+  * Often recommended by allergists for chronic allergy relief
  
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 ‘‘Diphenhydramine’’ is a first-generation antihistamine. It’s effective, but: ‘‘Diphenhydramine’’ is a first-generation antihistamine. It’s effective, but:
- • Strongly sedating +  * Strongly sedating 
- • Shorter-acting, often requiring multiple doses per day +  * Shorter-acting, often requiring multiple doses per day 
- • Linked in studies to increased risk of dementia when used regularly or long-term +  * Linked in studies to increased risk of dementia when used regularly or long-term 
-(due to its strong anticholinergic effects) +  * (due to its strong anticholinergic effects) 
- • Sometimes misused as a sleep aid, especially in older adults — this is not recommended+  * Sometimes misused as a sleep aid, especially in older adults — this is not recommended
  
 The Beers Criteria, a guide used in geriatrics, advises against using diphenhydramine in older adults unless absolutely necessary. The Beers Criteria, a guide used in geriatrics, advises against using diphenhydramine in older adults unless absolutely necessary.
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 ==== Summary ==== ==== Summary ====
- • Best for daily allergies: ‘‘Fexofenadine’’ (least sedating), ‘‘loratadine’’, or ‘‘cetirizine’’ +  * Best for daily allergies: ‘‘Fexofenadine’’ (least sedating), ‘‘loratadine’’, or ‘‘cetirizine’’ 
- • Avoid long-term use of Benadryl, especially in older adults or for sleep +  * Avoid long-term use of Benadryl, especially in older adults or for sleep 
- • If you’re older (65+) or have concerns about cognition, stick with second-generation options+  * If you’re older (65+) or have concerns about cognition, stick with second-generation options 
 + 
 + 
 +===== Is Sudafed an Antihistamine? ===== 
 + 
 +No — Sudafed is not an antihistamine. It is a decongestant, though it’s often used alongside antihistamines to treat cold or allergy symptoms.
  
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-If you’d like help choosing the best one based on your symptoms (e.g., itchy eyes, runny nose, hives), I can help with that too.+==== 🧪 What Is Sudafed? ==== 
 + 
 +Sudafed is the brand name for: 
 +  * ‘‘Pseudoephedrine’’ – the original version, available behind the pharmacy counter 
 +  * ‘‘Phenylephrine’’ – an over-the-counter version that is less effective 
 + 
 +It’s classified as a nasal decongestant.
  
 ⸻ ⸻
  
-Let me know if you’d like this saved as a .txt file for upload to your DokuWiki installation.+==== 💊 How It Works ==== 
 + 
 +Decongestants like Sudafed: 
 +  * Constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages 
 +  * Reduce swelling and improve airflow 
 +  * Do not block histamine 
 + 
 +Antihistamines: 
 +  * Block histamine, the chemical responsible for sneezing, itching, and watery eyes 
 + 
 +^ Symptom ^ Use Antihistamine? ^ Use Decongestant (Sudafed)? ^ 
 +| Sneezing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 
 +| Itchy eyes or nose | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 
 +| Runny nose | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not directly | 
 +| Nasal congestion | ❌ Not effective | ✅ Yes | 
 +⸻ 
 + 
 +==== ⚠️ Warnings About Sudafed ==== 
 +  * Can raise blood pressure – not ideal for people with hypertension or heart disease 
 +  * May cause jitters, restlessness, or insomnia 
 +  * Pseudoephedrine is regulated — you must request it from the pharmacy counter and show ID 
 +  * Phenylephrine, found in many OTC products, has been shown to be ineffective when taken orally (per FDA findings) 
 + 
 +⸻ 
 + 
 +==== 🔄 Combination Medications ==== 
 + 
 +Some allergy medications combine antihistamines with Sudafed, such as: 
 +  * Claritin-D (loratadine + pseudoephedrine) 
 +  * Zyrtec-D (cetirizine + pseudoephedrine) 
 + 
 +These treat both: 
 +  * Histamine symptoms – sneezing, itching, watery eyes 
 +  * Nasal congestion 
 + 
 +⸻ 
 + 
 +==== ✅ Bottom Line ==== 
 +  * Sudafed is a decongestant, not an antihistamine 
 +  * Best for nasal congestion, not for sneezing or itchy eyes 
 +  * Can be used alongside antihistamines for broader relief 
 +  * Use with caution if you have heart conditions, high blood pressure, or insomnia 
antihystamines.1753831298.txt.gz · Last modified: by Steve Isenberg