HOW DO SECOND-GENERATION ANTIHISTAMINES WORK?
Second-generation antihistamines are a type of antihistamines that are used for treating allergies and itching.
They work by binding to the histamine receptors in the brain and spinal cord and blocking the release of histamine. Excess release of histamine can cause the following allergic reactions:
- Constriction of the bronchial tube
- Contraction of smooth muscles
- Swelling
- Low blood pressure
- Depression of the central nervous system
- Irregular heart rate
Thus, antihistamines reduce allergic symptoms by preventing the release of histamine. Second-generation antihistamines were the second type of antihistamines to be approved by the FDA because they are considered to be safer than first-generation antihistamines. These drugs fail to cross the blood-brain barrier and therefore do not cause drowsiness caused by first-generation antihistamines.
HOW ARE SECOND-GENERATION ANTIHISTAMINES USED?
Second-generation antihistamines are used for treating:
- Allergic reactions
- Itchy skin
- Dermatologic conditions
WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF SECOND-GENERATION ANTIHISTAMINES?
Second-generation antihistamines can cause the following side effects:
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Malaise
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Drowsiness
- Fussiness
- Hallucinations
- Low blood pressure
- Tremors
- Tongue discoloration
- Irritability
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Cough
- Redness
- Rash
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.
WHAT ARE NAMES OF SECOND-GENERATION ANTIHISTAMINES?
Generic and brand names of second-generation antihistamines include:
- Alavert
- Allegra
- Allegra Allergy 12 Hour
- Allegra Allergy 24 Hour
- Aller-Tec
- Cetirizine
- Children's Allegra Allergy
- Children's Zyrtec Allergy
- Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief
- Clarinex
- Clarinex reditabs
- Claritin
- Claritin reditabs
- Desloratadine
- Fexofenadine
- Levocetirizine
- Loratadine
- Mucinex Allergy
- Pediacare Children's 24 Hour Allergy
- Qlearquil All Day & All Night 24 Hour Allergy Relief
- Quzyttir
- Wal-Zyr
- Xyzal
- Xyzal Allergy 24HR Oral Solution
- Xyzal Allergy 24HR Tablets
- Zyrtec
- Zyrtec Allergy
