Antihistamine Drugs Essay Example
Antihistamine Drugs Essay Example

Antihistamine Drugs Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (820 words)
  • Published: June 6, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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When using this medication, it is important to be aware that it may cause excitement, especially in children. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away: fast or irregular heartbeat, changes in mental state or mood, tightness in the chest, unusual fatigue or weakness. Additionally, pay attention to any important information that catches your eye. If you have liver or kidney disease, your doctor will prescribe a lower initial dose of Claritin. The recommended daily oral dose is 10 mg tablets. Do not take Claritin if you are allergic to it or have had an allergic reaction before. Make sure to inform your doctor about any past negative reactions to medications as there may be potential interactions with food and other prescribed drugs.

Although no harmful interactions have been reported, Claritin may interact with erythromycin, Cimetidine (Tagamet), and K

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etoconazole (Nizoral). It is advised to avoid orange, apple, or grapefruit juice while taking this medication as it can greatly reduce its levels in the bloodstream by 70%. Additionally, diphenydramine, which is the generic name for Benadryl manufactured by Pfizer, does not mention its mechanism of action.

The medication inhibits histamine receptors in cells, leading to a decrease in vasodilation and motion sickness. Additionally, it counteracts extrapyramidal reactions. Benadryl functions as an antihistamine with both drying and sedative properties. Its uses encompass relieving various conditions such as red and inflamed eyes stemming from food allergies, itching, swelling, and redness caused by hives or other rashes resulting from mild allergic reactions. It is also effective for alleviating symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, and red, teary, itchy eyes caused by seasonal

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allergies (hay fever) and the common cold.

The medication Benadryl is versatile and can be used for various conditions. It effectively treats allergic reactions from blood transfusions, prevents and treats motion sickness, and complements other medications in treating anaphylactic shock and Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a nerve disorder with symptoms like tremors, stooped posture, shuffling walk, muscle weakness, drooling, and emotional instability. When taking this prescription drug, it is important to be aware of potential side effects including disturbed coordination, dizziness, excessive calmness, increased chest congestion, sleepiness, and stomach upset. There may also be rare or less common side effects.

Anaphylactic shock, an extreme allergic reaction, can lead to a variety of symptoms including anemia, blurred vision, chills, confusion, constipation, convulsions, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, double vision and dryness of the mouth, nose and throat. Other potential effects include early menstruation, excessive perspiration and excitation. It may also cause a fast and fluttery heartbeat, fatigue and frequent or difficult urination. Headache,
hives and inability to urinate could occur as well as increased sensitivity to light,
irregular heartbeat and irritability. Loss of appetite,
low blood pressure and nausea are additional symptoms along with nervousness
and rapid heartbeat. A rash or restlessness might also be observed.

Other possible indications consist of ringing in the ears (tinnitus), stuffy nose (congestion), tightness of chest along with wheezing.
Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation may be felt while trembling or experiencing an unreal or exaggerated sense of well-being are other possibilities.
Vertigo (dizziness) as well as vomiting may also manifest.

It is important to pay attention to any significant information regarding this condition.
In children antihistamines can cause excitability while elderly individuals may experience dizziness
or excessive calmness combined with

low blood pressure when taking them.

It is recommended to follow the provided dosage instructions for safe use of Benadryl. For individuals 18 years and older, it is generally advised to take 25-50 milligrams three or four times a day. The peak effect happens within an hour after taking it, and each dose remains effective for 4 to 6 hours.

The recommended dosage for sleep aid is 50 milligrams at bedtime. To prevent motion sickness, the initial dose should be taken 30 minutes before exposure to motion; subsequent doses should be taken before meals and at bedtime as long as the motion continues. For children weighing over 20 pounds, the typical dose is 12.5 to 25 milligrams, administered 3 to 4 times daily. A child's total daily intake of this drug should not exceed 300 milligrams. This medication is not suitable as a sleep aid for children under the age of 12. The decision regarding its usage on a child will be determined by their physician based on its effects. Do not administer Benadryl to newborn or premature infants, or if you are breastfeeding your infant.

It is advised to avoid using this medication if you have had an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine hydrochloride or other antihistamines. Benadryl may interact with certain foods and prescription drugs, and combining it with alcohol can heighten its sedative effects. Additionally, the effects of specific medications may be altered when combined with Benadryl. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before mixing Benadryl with MAO inhibitors (e.g., Parnate and Nardil), sedative/hypnotics (e.g., Halcion, Nembutal, and Seconal), or tranquilizers (e.g., Xanax and Valium).

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