Antihistamines are a drug, and there is a safe limit to how much a person can take at one time. If a healthy adult takes only a slightly higher dose of antihistamine, such as accidentally taking two pills instead of one, their symptoms may not be serious, or they may not have any symptoms. However, a larger overdose, especially in children or older adults, may cause serious symptoms. Toxic doses of antihistamines may happen when a person takes 3 to 5 times the normal amount.
No matter how much a person overdoses, they should seek medical help or call a poison control center. Research shows that first generation antihistamines can have effects on the central nervous system in large doses. Second generation antihistamines do not usually have these effects. Second-generation antihistamines are commonly used medications, including:. Second generation antihistamines tend to be less serious with an overdose.
However, any overdose can be dangerous, and people should seek help from a medical professional or poison control immediately. If a person has severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, fast or slow heart rate, seizures, or loss of consciousness, call or go to the nearest emergency room.
Some antihistamines are safe for children to take. However, the Food and Drug Administration FDA caution that just because a product says it is for children does not mean a child of any age can take it. Research on antihistamines says that children and older adults are more at risk of an antihistamine overdose than adults. One study found that children have experienced heart problems, seizures, and even death from an antihistamine overdose.
The most common reactions are mild, however, and include:. Second generation antihistamines are less likely to cause toxicity in children than first generation ones, according to a study of more than 9, children. However, another study found that second generation antihistamines can cause dangerous symptoms when children overdose on them.
Diagnosing an antihistamine overdose usually starts with a discussion about all medications the person is taking and not just the antihistamines. If you are concerned about side effects or drug interactions, there are alternative treatments. Allergy sprays can be an effective treatment option. Certain supplements may alleviate symptoms. Research suggests quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived from plant sources, helps inhibit histamine release.
Vitamin C, bromelain, butterbur, and apple cider vinegar may also help to boost your immune system so it can better respond to allergens. Lifestyle changes such as reducing your exposure to allergy triggers or using a HEPA air filter can help to reduce your reaction during peak allergy season.
Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Is it safe to take an antihistamine every day? By Heidi Borst Mar. Top Reads in Health Education. In this series. In this article What are antihistamines used for?
How do antihistamines work? Where can I get them? How do I take them? Are there different types of antihistamines? Which antihistamine is the best? What preparations are there? How quickly do antihistamines work? How long is treatment needed? Can there be any side-effects? Who should not take antihistamines? How effective are they? Can you take antihistamines when pregnant? Can I drink alcohol when I'm taking an antihistamine? Is it safe to take antihistamines with other medicines?
Antihistamines In this article What are antihistamines used for? What are antihistamines used for? For example: Hives urticaria. Itching pruritus. Feeling sick nausea and being sick vomiting.
Severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis. Our picks for Antihistamines. What's the difference between a side effect and a drug allergy? How to travel safely if you have allergies.
What you need to know about allergic reactions. How to use nose drops. Suffer from hay fever? Book an appointment with a local pharmacist today Book now. How to use the Yellow Card Scheme If you think you have had a side-effect to one of your medicines you can report this on the Yellow Card Scheme.
If you wish to report a side-effect, you will need to provide basic information about: The side-effect. The name of the medicine which you think caused it. The person who had the side-effect. Your contact details as the reporter of the side-effect. Previous article Skin Prick Allergy Test. Sometimes people take them before they are going to be exposed to something they are allergic to. This could include an animal such as cats or dogs or certain kinds of plants or flowers.
There are many different brands of antihistamines that you can buy over the counter. Some work in different ways. For example, some are designed to work for 4 to 6 hours. Others last for 12 to 24 hours. Make sure you read the label carefully. Follow the directions for how often to take the antihistamine.
If you have severe allergies or allergies that affect you year-round, tell you doctor. It could be that you need a prescription allergy medication. The difference between these at OTCs is that prescription antihistamines can come in higher doses. Some types of antihistamines can cause sleepiness. Do not drink alcohol when taking antihistamines.
These include erythromycin an antibiotic or certain medicines used to treat fungal infections. These include itraconazole or ketoconazole. Your pharmacist can also tell you what is safe to take.
Even if your friend has a similar allergy, do not share your medicine.
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