Drugs for allergies: list with names, ranking of the best, indications and contraindications

2024 Author: Curtis Blomfield | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 20:44

In the article we will consider medicines for allergies.

It is often called the disease of the 21st century. Currently, people of any age suffer from it, and not only in the spring and summer periods, when the flowering of plants begins, but sometimes all year round. An allergic reaction can develop under the influence of anything: ordinary dust, plant pollen, pet hair, household chemicals, medicines, food, cold, sun. That is why the question of choosing an antiallergic agent does not lose its relevance.

Allergy symptoms are painless, but extremely unpleasant: rashes, constantly inflamed and itchy, nasal discharge, sneezing, watery eyes. Allergies are most severe in young children. In some situations, angioedema or anaphylactic shock may develop. For this reason, it is important to know whichmedicines for allergies should be used in certain situations, what are their features and differences. This need is connected with the fact that each drug differs in composition and mechanism of action.

Varieties of antiallergic drugs

Currently, three generations of antiallergic drugs are used. Representatives of the latest generation have incomparably fewer contraindications and negative effects. In addition, they are characterized by a longer and faster effect when using small dosages. Along with them, traditional anti-allergic drugs, which are representatives of the first generation, are also used. In some cases, only the use of drugs for allergies can improve the condition.

In addition to antihistamines, in the treatment of allergic manifestations in adults and children, the following can be used:

1. Mast cell membrane stabilizing drugs.
2. Corticosteroids (hormonal-type drugs).

Antihistamines of various generations

To eliminate the symptoms of allergies, it is necessary to act in several directions: get rid of the source of the allergy and suppress the production of histamine, which is a substance actively produced by the body when exposed to an irritant. The latter can be achieved using drugs of the antihistamine group. Which allergy medicine to choose, the doctor will tell.

These remedies with different efficiency and speed eliminate irritation,stop the inflammatory process in the mucous membranes of the eyes, nasopharynx, eliminate puffiness, rashes, and other manifestations. Four generations of allergy medications currently exist.

Today, in medicine, and especially in the field of pediatrics, first-generation antiallergenic drugs are used with caution, but in some cases they are indispensable. The careful appointment of such funds is due to the fact that they have much more disadvantages than advantages. The main disadvantage is an extensive list of contraindications and negative effects compared to the latest generation of allergy medications:

1. When using antihistamines for three weeks or more, tachyphylaxis, that is, resistance to the active ingredient of the drug, may develop. As a result, its effectiveness is significantly reduced. This necessitates the need to replace the drug if it is ineffective, and the symptoms do not disappear after using for three weeks.
2. First generation antihistamines can enhance the effects of alcohol, analgesics, and many other drugs.
3. Therapy with these drugs involves the cessation of activities that require increased attention.
4. First generation drugs can cause psychomotor agitation if overdosed or high doses are used.
5. Against their use, muscle tone may decrease.
6. In some cases, the therapeutic effect is short-lived.
7. Negatively affect the central nervous system - have a sedative, hypnotic effect.

Medications in this category are prohibited in European countries and in the USA. This is due to the frequent development of side symptoms - constipation, urinary retention, drying of the mucous membranes of the mouth, tachycardia.

Almost the only benefit of first-generation allergy drugs is their affordability. Compared to the drugs of the latest generations, their cost is several times lower. The effect of their use develops quickly, but does not last long.

Let's rank the best first-generation antihistamines.

Suprastin

In the first place is "Suprastin". Quite often, patients are prescribed it, especially in an emergency. In this case, the drug is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Compared with analogues of the considered class, "Suprastin" has a relatively small number of contraindications, negative effects. The active ingredient in its composition is chloropyramine. It is not deposited in the cells, it does not stay in the blood for a long time, it is excreted by the kidneys. In this regard, "Suprastin" is contraindicated in any form of renal failure. Among the negative effects that can develop against the background of its use: drowsiness, sedation. The drug copes well with angioedema, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria.

Among the mainmerit:

1. Proven effectiveness.
2. Low cost.

Main flaws:

1. Contraindicated for doctors, drivers, pregnant women, children.
2. Provokes drowsiness, greatly inhibits reflex-type reactions.

What allergy medicine can be recommended other than the one described?

Tavegil

The second place in this group is occupied by the drug "Tavegil". Currently, it is often used as an aid in the treatment of anaphylactic shock, pseudo-allergic reactions. Despite the fact that Tavegil is a representative of the first generation of antihistamines, it is also quite popular.

Its main advantages are:

1. Long-lasting effect that can last up to 8 hours.
2. High efficiency. The drug really works quickly with lacrimation, runny nose, sneezing, swelling, itching.
3. Low cost. One package will cost about 100 rubles.

Among the disadvantages:

1. It is forbidden to drive vehicles and perform responsible tasks after using the drug.
2. Contraindicated for pregnant women, children under 1 year old.
3. In some cases, it itself causes the development of allergies.

Dimedrol

The last place in the ranking belongs to Dimedrol. The active substance in its composition is diphenhydramine. In addition to antiallergic, it is able to provideanti-inflammatory effect, is included in the triad - a combination of drugs used in an ambulance if emergency treatment is needed.

Its main advantages are:

1. Good compatibility with other medicines.
2. Quick onset of therapeutic effect.
3. Low cost.

Among the main disadvantages:

1. Should be used with caution in the treatment of pregnant women, in pediatrics, in the lactation period.
2. The active ingredient is able to provoke anemia and act on the heart rhythm.
3. Almost always provokes insomnia, excessive arousal, lethargy, lethargy, drowsiness.

What else is on the allergy medication list?

Diazolin

In fourth place in the ranking of first-generation drugs "Diazolin". The main active ingredient in its composition is mebhydrolin.

The main advantages are:

1. Possibility of application for preventive purposes.
2. Quick development of the effect, long-term retention.
3. Low cost.
4. Can be used by patients of all ages.

Among the shortcomings is the impossibility of using prostate adenoma, glaucoma, epilepsy, heart failure, in the lactation period, during pregnancy.

Second generation antiallergic drugs

The main difference and advantage of drugs in this categoryhas little effect on the CNS. Slowness of reactions and drowsiness develop much less frequently, only in case of violation of the dosage, individual hypersensitivity to the active substance. In addition, they have less effect on the gastrointestinal tract and cardiac tissues. If it is necessary to choose a good, but inexpensive antiallergic drug for the treatment of children, experts often prefer this group of drugs.

The disadvantages of all such remedies are:

1. High cost.
2. Inability to use in renal pathologies.

Among the benefits:

1. Possibility of use in pediatrics.
2. Smaller list of negative impacts.
3. Fast development effect that can last 8-12 hours.

What other medicines to take for allergies? Below are the best second generation antihistamines.

Claritin

He is the leader in his class, he owns the first place. It can be used to treat allergic manifestations in patients of all age categories - from 1 year to old age.

Its main advantages are:

1. The ability to quickly eliminate bronchospasm, laryngospasm, redness of the dermis, swelling, itching.
2. Exposure develops 20-30 minutes after use, lasts up to 8 hours.
3. Does not depress the central nervous system, does not affect concentration.

Among the disadvantages are the following:

1. Quite expensive. Abouta safer last-generation drug would cost the same.
2. Affects the activity of the kidneys.

Fenistil

Sometimes a child develops allergies due to insect bites. And in some cases, swelling on the face is formed. In this case, an allergy medicine should be purchased immediately. A popular representative of second-generation antihistamines, capable of providing significant assistance, is Fenistil, which occupies a solid second position in the ranking. It is not inferior to Claritin in its effectiveness. Gained popularity among young parents, as it has many pharmacological forms. It is convenient in the treatment of allergic manifestations in infants - drops are used orally, ointments are intended for external use for redness and itching.

Among its advantages are:

1. Efficient for allergies of any origin - animal hair, plants, chemicals, cold, sun, food.
2. The ability to quickly stop allergic attacks, block the subsequent synthesis of histamines.

Among the disadvantages:

1. Requires careful use in the treatment of young children, lactating, pregnant women.
2. Does not mix with alcohol and some medications.
3. May cause mild sedation.

Gistalong

It is an effective allergy medicine, but not the most harmless medicine. It is characterized by a prolonged action, which canindividual patients persist up to 10 days. In this regard, "Gistalong" is often prescribed for the treatment of chronic allergies.

Its main disadvantages are:

1. High cost.
2. Inability to use in acute allergic reactions, therapy for children, in the lactation period, during pregnancy.
3. Inability to use for heart defects and other pathologies of the vascular system and the heart.
4. Having a serious side effect - on the heart and its rate of contraction.

Among the advantages are the following:

1. Can be used to treat advanced and chronic allergies.
2. Using one dose can eliminate allergic manifestations for several weeks.

Which allergy medicine is better, we will analyze further.

Third generation antihistamines

Third generation drugs are metabolites of second generation drugs. They do not affect the heart and nervous system, practically do not affect the functionality of the kidneys. However, the cost of such drugs is quite high.

Among the shortcomings of new generation allergy drugs are:

1. High cost.
2. They are almost impossible to use for the treatment of allergies in children.

The main benefits are:

1. Availability of various pharmacological forms, including children's suspensions, syrups with pleasant tastes.
2. Long exposure.
3. Excellent performance.
4. Minimum Quantityadverse symptoms.

Consider the latest generation of allergy medications.

Cetrin

Is the recognized leader among third-generation drugs currently produced. Its use does not provoke drowsiness, inhibition of reactions, reflexes, does not cause deterioration in vision, the functionality of the heart, kidneys, liver.

The cost of a package of "Cetrina" is about 200 rubles. It can be used to eliminate allergies of any origin, the effect after its application develops after 15 minutes. To maintain a stable condition, it is enough for the patient to take one dose of the drug once a day. The main point is that "Cetrin" has practically no contraindications, it can be used to treat patients of all age categories.

Analogues of "Cetrin" among the drugs in this category are: "Erius", "Fexofenadine", "Telfast", "Zodak", "Zirtek", "Cetirizine".

And yet, what medicine for allergies is better for children and adults to choose, you need to find out from the doctor.

Currently, there are many antiallergic drugs that can quickly stop the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. It should be borne in mind that representatives of different generations of medicines are characterized by certain advantages and have some contraindications. Some of them are quite dangerous, but highly effective in certain cases. You should not choose an antihistamine on your own - onlya competent allergist who will take into account the type of allergy, its origin, the general condition of the patient.

We have reviewed the list of allergy medications, but the choice is up to you and your doctor.