Allergy. What is it? Such a malaise is the response of the immune system in the interaction of body cells with a specific irritant. Many experts claim that such a disease is considered the most common. About half the population of our planet suffers from allergies. For this reason, a variety of allergy medications are released annually. What to choose if there are signs of pathology?
The first generation of drugs
Allergy drugs began to be released in the early 40s of the last century. This happened long before histamine itself, as well as receptors sensitive to this substance, were identified. At the moment, the assortment of this group of medicines includes about 60 drugs. First-generation allergy medications are not selective. They block certain receptors. And this leads to undesirable reactions:
- Slowing the motility of the digestive tract.
- Increasing the viscosity of the secret. This does not allow the use of such drugs for asthma, which is allergic in nature.
- The tone of the urinary tract decreases.
- Heart palpitations are noted.
Such drugs are relatively low cost. However, due to side effects, they are taken with caution. In addition, the active components are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, while providing a sedative effect. As a result of this, a person may experience drowsiness and constant fatigue. In children, such drugs can cause sleep disturbance and psychomotor agitation. First-generation allergy remedies have a quick but short-term effect.
First Generation List
The first generation allergies include:
- Clemastine or Tavegil;
- Peritol
- "Diazolin";
- "Suprastin";
- "Fenkarol."
Use such drugs with caution. The course is strictly limited. As practice shows, these are not the most effective allergy medications, since they are characterized by tachyphylaxis. In other words, over time, the effect of taking such medications decreases.
The second generation of drugs
Such remedies for allergies on the hands, face and other parts of the body are prescribed most often. This can be explained by the optimal combination of high therapeutic effect and average cost. The second generation drugs include:
- Claritin or Loratadine;
- Astemizole or Histalong;
- "Treksil";
- "Tsetrin";
- Zertex allergy remedy (more precisely, Zirtek).
Features of second-generation drugs
The main advantage of such medications is the effect on histamine H 1 receptors. In this case, the effect persists for 24 hours. The active substances of such allergy medications on the face, hands and other parts of the body do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This allows you to attribute them to drugs that do not have a sedative effect. In addition, the therapeutic effect of taking such medications does not worsen over time.
Despite this, second-generation drugs also have disadvantages. They are able to provoke a violation of the heart rhythm, a disorder of the type of "pirouette". Clinical manifestations are fainting and dizziness. According to experts, the manifestation of such side effects depends on the dosage. In other words, they occur only with improper administration of drugs.
Second-generation allergy medications undergo metabolic processes in the liver. As a result of this, compounds affecting receptors are formed. For this reason, cardiotoxic disorders can also occur with concomitant disorders in the liver.
Third generation drugs
These are modern allergy medications that are considered safe. The drugs do not cause drowsiness, and the maximum concentration of their active components in the body is noted 3 hours later (this is the maximum) after administration. The effect persists for about a day. These medicines include:
Such allergy remedies are suitable for children and adults. But most often they are still used in pediatric practice. However, such medications are contraindicated during lactation and pregnancy.
You need to choose the right one
So, which allergy remedy is better to choose? Doctors recommend paying attention to several aspects. First of all, the duration of the course of therapy. If you need to take antihistamines within 7 days, then first-generation drugs are suitable.
If the reception is designed for a longer time, then the tool must meet certain requirements:
- The activity of the drug for 12 hours (minimum).
- Fast therapeutic effect.
- The absence of side effects such as heart rhythm disturbance, drowsiness, constant fatigue.
- Preservation of therapeutic activity with prolonged use.
Of particular importance is the form of release of drugs. If the reaction manifests itself in a runny nose, then you can use a spray. If a rash appears, then you can use skin allergies in the form of ointments and creams. Children with this violation are recommended to give suspensions and drops for oral administration.
Manifestations of skin allergies
Almost all drugs intended for the treatment of such an ailment are available in tablet form. The dosage largely depends on the course of the disease and on the generation of the medication. The latest allergy medications take 1 tablet once a day.
Such drugs should be used with caution to drivers and people performing work that requires concentration. This is due to a possible sedative effect.
Antihistamines in the form of tablets are required in cases where the allergy has become systemic, when rashes appear on the skin. This is often associated with the use of certain foods and medicines. In this case, the use of nasal sprays or ointments will not bring the desired result.
It is worth considering that the use of funds externally reduces the risk of side effects. If a rash appears on the body, accompanied by itching, swelling due to insect bites, one of the following compounds should be applied to the affected area:
Such remedies for itching, allergies, and puffiness help. It is worth noting that such drugs are also excellent for eliminating the symptoms of chickenpox. However, experts argue that when applying ointments to large areas of the skin, side effects may occur that are characteristic of second-generation medicines.
Malaise sprays
Not so long ago, antihistamines in the form of sprays began to be prescribed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, which is accompanied by secretion of mucus from the nasal passages, swelling, pain, sneezing and noise in the head. The most popular include:
- "Tizin Allergy";
- Reactin
- "Allergodil."
To eliminate the symptoms of malaise, such allergy medications need to be sprayed up to 3 times a day in each nostril. The course of therapy lasts until the end of flowering of certain plants or until elimination of the irritant.
Better preparations in the form of drops
For the treatment of systemic forms of the disease, preparations in the form of drops are ideal. Such funds can be used for children. However, remember that a pediatrician should prescribe any drug to the child. So, the list of drops:
- "Desal";
- Xizal
- Suprastinex;
- Fenistil;
- "Tsetrin."
Preparations for children
What allergy remedies can I use for children? These patients rarely develop hay fever. Therefore, anti-allergic drugs are prescribed for children to relieve certain symptoms of food allergies. However, in any case, a pediatrician or an allergist should choose a medication. Self-medication is prohibited. A doctor’s appointment may depend on the age of the patient:
- Children under 2 years of age are prescribed the drug in the form of dragees - “Diazolin”, in the form of drops - “Fenistil” or “Desal”, in the form of syrup - “Erius”. The use of Zertex allergy medication (Zyrtec) helps many young patients. The use of any of the drugs should be agreed with the doctor.
- Children from 2 years old can be prescribed cetirizine, which is part of the syrups and drops - “Cetrin”, “Zinzet”, “Zodak”; loratadine - Lomilan, Claritin; levocetirizine - “Suprastinex”, “Xizal”.
- Children from 6 years of age and older are prescribed Kestin or Primalan syrup.
- Children from 12 years of age are prescribed any antihistamine in the form of tablets.
It is worth noting that in some cases, such drugs are prescribed for the relief of symptoms of SARS, for example, with a runny nose, swelling of the mucous membrane, lacrimation, etc. The course lasts up to 5 days. The dosage of drugs depends on age.
Is it possible for pregnant women?
As practice shows, almost all drugs that have an antihistamine effect have lactation and pregnancy among contraindications. This is due to insufficient information on how medicines affect the woman’s body, the development of the fetus and the process of gestation.
Studies have shown that even the most effective third-generation allergies can not act selectively on a certain number of receptors, and this is fraught with dangerous consequences for both women and children. Therefore, therapy should be prescribed only by the attending physician.
The drug "Kestin"
Among the best drugs for allergies is the drug "Kestin". Its active ingredient is ebastin. It is attributed to third-generation drugs. The therapeutic effect lasts for 48 hours. The patient's condition improves significantly an hour after taking Kestin.
The drug helps with allergies to pollen of plants. Even those who suffer from asthma note improvement in well-being after taking it. In addition, the drug is prescribed for manifestations of the disease on the skin, as well as for acute reactions to the stimulus (Quincke's edema, etc.).
Kestin is available in the form of tablets and syrup. Like any drug, it has contraindications. These include:
- Children under 12 years old.
- Lactation and pregnancy.
- Disorders in the liver.
The drug does not have a sedative effect. It can be combined with alcohol. In addition, Kestin does not provoke weight gain. The approximate cost is 214 rubles.
Allergy drug "Claritin"
Claritin is especially popular. He is second in the list of effective allergy medications. Its active ingredient is loratadine. The drug belongs to the second generation. The effect persists for 24 hours. The positive effect of the drug can be noticed 30 minutes after administration. Claritin is considered a relatively safe medication. It can be given to children and pregnant women, but only after consulting with specialists. Among the contraindications, there is a lactation period.
"Claritin" does not have a sedative effect and does not enhance the effect of alcoholic beverages. The medicine is in the form of tablets. The approximate cost of the drug in tablets is 250-650 rubles. There is also Claritin in the form of syrup. Its cost is 130-300 rubles. The price of the drug depends on the concentration of the main component and the packaging volume.
The tool copes with many manifestations of allergies, completely eliminating them. It can also be used to eliminate respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing. The medication does not provoke the development of infection and does not dry the mucous membranes in cases where an allergy is combined with acute respiratory viral infections.
Description of the drug "Telfast"
The main active ingredient is fexofenadine. "Telfast" refers to third-generation drugs. The effect of admission is noted after 1 hour. The activity of the main component lasts about a day. The drug has virtually no side effects. However, it is not recommended to give it to children under the age of 12 years, as well as to women during lactation. Allowed use during pregnancy and renal failure. However, the dosage should be reduced.
Telfast is available in tablet form. The approximate cost is 1380 rubles. You can take the drug in seasonal allergies. According to reviews, the drug relieves symptoms of malaise when responding to pet hair, dust and pollen. It can be used for skin allergies.
What is Zirtek?
This is a second-generation drug, which includes such an active component as cetirizine. The duration of the therapeutic effect lasts about a whole day. A positive effect after application is noted after an hour. Zirtek copes with the manifestations of allergic reactions, both seasonal and acute forms of the disease. The medication also suppresses respiratory symptoms, copes with rashes on the skin. You can take courses.
Zirtek is often prescribed for children (starting from 2 years old). However, the drug is not recommended for pregnant and, of course, lactating women. If the patient suffers from renal failure, then the dosage is reduced. It is worth considering that the drug has a sedative effect. However, such reactions rarely occur. Zirtek enhances the effect of alcoholic beverages. Therefore, it is not recommended to combine with alcohol. The approximate cost is from 170 to 490 rubles.
Antihistamine "Cetrin"
"Cetrin" is prescribed for allergic rhinitis, with allergic reactions to the skin. The effect of the application becomes noticeable after 1 hour. The activity of the active component is maintained for about a day. The drug helps with irritations, hives, rashes and inflammations on the skin. The medicine helps patients cope with reactions to pollen of certain colors, pet hair. But with allergies to food, it is practically not effective.
"Cetrin" can be given to a child (over 6 years old). As for pregnant and lactating women, such a drug is contraindicated for them. Does not increase the effects of alcohol. However, doctors do not recommend combining it with alcohol. If the patient has renal failure, the dosage of Cetrin is halved. The approximate cost of the drug is from 140 to 250 rubles.
"Cetirizine" for allergies
Such a drug has a relatively low cost, but effectiveness. Available in tablet form. The effect after taking it is felt after a few minutes. The activity of the active substance lasts up to 24 hours.
"Cetirizine" is prescribed for acute manifestations of an allergic reaction, as well as for alleged contact with the allergen for a long time, for example, being in a room where a cat or dog is present. It is worth noting that the drug relieves respiratory symptoms of malaise, including a runny nose, lacrimation, coughing, sneezing, etc. "Cetirizine" is effective for skin rashes, irritations and itching.
The drug can be given to a child from 2 years. However, “Cetirizine” is not recommended for use during lactation and pregnancy. With caution, it is prescribed to patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency. In such cases, the dosage is reduced. Side effects from taking such a medication are rare. Most often, this is a cardiotoxic or sedative effect. The approximate cost of the drug is from 66 to 140 rubles.
Hydrocortisone ointment for topical application
"Hydrocortisone" is a topical preparation for rashes and irritations on the skin. This is a hormonal drug that is used not only to eliminate signs of allergy. Ointment "Hydrocortisone" copes with swelling, itching, rash. However, it is recommended to use it with caution, especially in those places where the skin is very thin. With frequent use, the ointment thins them. As a result, wrinkles and blood vessels can appear.
In general, "Hydrocortisone" is not intended for systematic use, but for emergency care in cases of allergies. Using such a drug for pregnant and, of course, lactating women is not recommended. Ointment can be prescribed to a child from 2 years. Also contraindicated are bacterial, fungal and viral lesions of the skin, dermatitis, ulcerative lesions and tumors.
In conclusion
The range of allergy medications is quite large. Choosing the right medication is not so simple. Therefore, if signs of allergy occur, it is recommended to seek the help of specialists. Only a doctor can prescribe adequate and safe therapy. Do not forget that many antihistamines have contraindications, among them - children under 2 years of age, as well as pregnancy and lactation.