Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
| | A | | | B | | | C | | | D | | | E | | | F | | | G | | | H | | | I | | | J | | | K | | | L | | | M | |
| | N | | | O | | | P | | | Q | | | R | | | S | | | T | | | U | | | V | | | W | | | X | | | Y | |
Who can use it? of Antihistamine drugs
Older types of antihistamine such as chlorphenamine and cinnarizine can cause sedation (drowsiness). You should not take them if you need to drive, operate machinery, or carry out other dangerous activities. Check with your GP or pharmacist if you’re not sure whether your medicine will make you sleepy and to find out which activities are safe. Always read instructions on the packet.
Many antihistamines are safe for children to use, but you should check with your pharmacist or GP before giving them, and always read the dosage instructions carefully. Hydroxyzine should not be given to children under six months, and promethazine and trimeprazine are not suitable for children under two years old.
Women should avoid all unnecessary medication during pregnancy – if you have severe symptoms, ask your GP for advice. Instead of medication, try to avoid the things that cause your symptoms, such as animal hair or pollen.
Antihistamines can make certain conditions worse, such as glaucoma and enlarged prostate gland. You should avoid antihistamines or take a reduced dose if you have liver or kidney disease.
You should not take terfenadine at the same time as oral antifungal drugs, grapefruit juice, or certain antibiotics – ask your GP for advice, as these combinations can cause heart damage.
