The child had a seizure at home before emergency medical services (EMS) arrived. She estimated that about 20 gelcaps (1,000 mg of diphenhydramine) were missing, an extremely toxic amount even for a large adult. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.Ĭase 1: A 13-month-old 22-lb boy was discovered by his mom playing with an empty bottle of Unisom® gelcaps (diphenhydramine 25 mg). Some antihistamines can interact with other medicines.Some antihistamines should not be used for children.Whether you use the online tool or call, you'll be able to determine if treatment is needed.Ĭertified Specialist in Poison Informationįollow these guidelines when using antihistamines. If you took too much, or gave too much to your child, use the web POISON CONTROL ® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control right away at 1-80. Not sure which antihistamine is best for you? For your child? Call your doctor or pediatrician. Children can drink liquid antihistamines, swallow too many pills, or even eat antihistamine creams. Lock antihistamines up high, where children can't reach them.Taking them at the same time can be dangerous. Different products may contain the same ingredients.Check with your doctor or pharmacist or call Poison Control and speak with a Specialist if you have questions. Make sure you are using a children’s product when giving antihistamines to your child. Taking another decongestant at the same time could cause an overdose.įollow these guidelines when using antihistamines: Some antihistamines are combined with decongestants.Taking another pain medicine at the same time could cause an overdose. Some antihistamines are combined with pain medicine.This can cause seizures and hallucinations. Some people abuse the sedating antihistamines trying to get “high”.Be sure to check the label for the correct dose. Taking too much can be harmful for children and adults.When used improperly, serious effects can occur. Instead, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble finding a drug that works well for your allergy symptoms.Īntihistamines are safe when used as directed.Do NOT take two different antihistamines at the same time.Do NOT take a dose sooner than you're supposed to.BUT - it can be dangerous to take extra antihistamines. If you are desperate (and still coughing and sneezing and itching), you may be tempted to take too much. It can be hard to find the one that works just right. Some antihistamines may work better than others for your symptoms. In high doses, these antihistamines can still cause drowsiness and rapid heart rate. Antihistamines in this group include cetirizine (Zyrtec ® ), loratadine (Claritin ® ), and fexofenadine (Allegra ® ). The newer second and third-generation or non-sedating antihistamines are used much more frequently.Others are brompheniramine (Bromfed ®, Dimetapp ® ), hydroxyzine (Vistaril ®, Atarax ® ) and meclizine (Antivert ® ). One antihistamine in this group is diphenhydramine (Benadryl ® ). (In fact, these antihistamines sometimes are used as sleeping pills.) Side effects can include dizziness, poor coordination, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, and trouble urinating.
They cause much more drowsiness and fatigue than the newer antihistamines. The older first-generation antihistamines are also called sedating antihistamines.They work in different ways and have different side effects. There are two main classes of antihistamines. They are also common ingredients in over-the-counter cold and cough products, along with decongestants, pain relievers and cough suppressants. Antihistamines are found in many different forms for children and adults: liquids, tablets, creams, nasal sprays, and eye drops. They fill the counters and prescription shelves at your local drug store. Antihistamines relieve symptoms by blocking histamine.Ī lot of different antihistamines are available. Histamine causes the familiar symptoms of allergies. When an allergen enters your body, your body releases histamine. Examples include pollen, dust, pet dander, even foods or medications. with allergies? Do you suffer with coughing, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat? If so, you may take antihistamines to treat your symptoms.Īllergens are things that cause an allergic reaction.
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