Antihistamines

Antihistamines are immunodulatory agents that inhibit the release or action of histamine. It is the histamines which are responsible for the symptoms associated with allergies and hay fever.

While antihistamines do interfere with immunopathology, it is okay to take antihistamines to treat intolerable symptoms as a short term palliative measure. Try to use short-acting antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which can be taken as needed only, to reduce the amount of medication used.

• cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zirtek, Reactine)
• desloratadine (Aerius, Delot, Claramax, Clarinex, NeoClarityn)
• Dimetapp
• dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Nytol)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• loratadine (Claritin)
• NyQuil