Allergy. What is it? Such a malaise is a response of the immune system when the cells of the body interact with a certain stimulus. Many experts argue that such a disease is considered the most common. About half of the world's population suffers from allergies. It is for this reason that a variety of anti-allergy products are produced every year. What to choose when signs of pathology appear?
First generation drugs
Means against allergies began to be produced already in the early 40s of the last century. This happened long before histamine itself was identified, as well as receptors sensitive to this substance. 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 unwanted reactions:
- Deceleration of GI motility.
- Increasing the viscosity of the secret. This prevents the use of such drugs in allergic asthma.
- The tone of the urinary tract decreases.
- Heart palpitations are noted.
Such drugs are relatively lowcost. However, due to side effects, they are taken with caution. In addition, the active ingredients are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, while providing a sedative effect. As a result, a person may experience drowsiness and constant fatigue. In children, such drugs can cause sleep disturbance and psychomotor agitation. First-generation allergy medications have a quick but short-term effect.
First Generation List
First generation allergy medications include:
- "Clemastin" 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 remedies for allergies, since they are characterized by tachyphylaxis. In other words, over time, the effect of taking such medications decreases.
Second generation 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. Second generation drugs include:
- "Claritin" or "Loratadine";
- "Astemizol" or "Gistalong";
- Trexil;
- "Cetrin";
- allergy remedy "Zertex" (or rather - "Zirtek").
Features of second-generation drugs
The main advantage of such medicinesis to act on histamine receptors H1. In this case, the effect persists for 24 hours. The active substances of such allergy remedies on the face, hands and other parts of the body do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This allows them to be attributed to drugs that do not have a sedative effect. In addition, the therapeutic effect of taking such medicines 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 "pirouette" type. The 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 when the drugs are taken incorrectly.
Second-generation allergy drugs undergo metabolic processes in the liver. As a result, compounds are formed that act on receptors. It is for this reason that cardiotoxic disorders can also occur with concomitant disorders in the liver.
Third generation drugs
These are modern allergy remedies 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 ingestion. The effect lasts for about a day. These medications include:
- "Erius";
- Telfast.
Such allergy remedies are suitable for children and adults. However, they are most often used inpediatric practice. However, such medications are contraindicated during lactation and pregnancy.
You need to choose right
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 for 7 days, then first-generation drugs will do.
If the reception is designed for a longer time, then the remedy must meet certain requirements:
- Drug activity for 12 hours (minimum).
- Quick therapeutic effect.
- No side effects such as irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, constant fatigue.
- Retention of therapeutic activity with prolonged use.
The form of release of drugs is also of particular importance. If the reaction is manifested by a runny nose, then you can use the spray. If a rash appears, then you can use skin allergy remedies in the form of ointments and creams. For children with such a violation, it is recommended to give suspensions and drops for oral administration.
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 drug. The newest allergy remedies take 1 tablet once a day.
Use such drugs should be used with caution by drivers and people performing work,requiring concentration. This is due to a possible sedative effect.
Antihistamine tablets are required in cases where allergies have become systemic, when rashes appear on the skin. Often this is due to 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 formulations should be applied to the affected area:
- Fenistil;
- Psilo Balm.
Such remedies help with itching, allergies, swelling. It is worth noting that such drugs are great for eliminating the symptoms of chickenpox. However, experts say that when applying ointments to large areas of the skin, side effects that are characteristic of second-generation drugs may occur.
Sprays for ailments
Recently, for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, which is accompanied by discharge from the nasal passages of mucus, swelling, pain, sneezing and noise in the head, began to prescribe antihistamines in the form of sprays. The most popular include:
- Tizin Allergy;
- Reactin;
- Allergodil.
To eliminate the symptoms of malaise, such allergy remedies should be sprayed up to 3 times a day in each nostril. The course of therapy lasts up tothe end of flowering of certain plants or until the irritant is eliminated.
Better drugs in the form of drops
For the treatment of systemic forms of the disease, drugs in the form of drops are ideal. These products can also be used for children. However, remember that a pediatrician should prescribe any drug to a child. So, drop list:
- "Desal";
- Ksizal;
- Suprastinex;
- Fenistil;
- Cetrin.
Drugs for children
What allergy remedies can be used for children? These patients rarely develop hay fever. Therefore, antiallergic drugs are prescribed for children to relieve certain symptoms of food allergies. However, in any case, a pediatrician or an allergist should select a medication. Self-medication is prohibited. Doctor's prescriptions may depend on the patient's age:
- Children under 2 years of age are prescribed a drug in the form of a dragee - "Diazolin", in the form of drops - "Fenistil" or "Desal", in the form of syrup - "Erius". Many young patients are helped by the use of Zertex (Zirtek) allergy medicine. The use of any of the drugs must be agreed with the doctor.
- Children from 2 years old can be prescribed cetirizine, which is part of syrups and drops - "Cetrin", "Zincet", "Zodak"; loratadine - "Lomilan", "Claritin"; levocetirizine - "Suprastinex", "Ksizal".
- Children 6 years of age and older are prescribed Kestin or Primalan syrup.
- Children from the age of 12 are prescribed any antihistamine in the formtablets.
It is worth noting that in some cases, such drugs are also prescribed for the relief of symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections, for example, with a runny nose, swelling of the mucous membrane, lacrimation, etc. The duration of the course is up to 5 days. The dosage of drugs depends on age.
Can pregnant women?
As practice shows, almost all drugs that have an antihistamine effect have lactation and pregnancy among contraindications. This is due to the lack of information on how drugs affect the woman's body, the development of the fetus and the gestation process.
Studies have shown that even the most effective third-generation allergy remedies may not act selectively enough on a certain number of receptors, and this is fraught with dangerous consequences for both the woman and the child. Therefore, therapy should be prescribed only by the attending physician.
Drug "Kestin"
Among the best drugs for allergies, it is worth highlighting the drug "Kestin". Its active ingredient is ebastine. It is classified as a third generation drug. The therapeutic effect persists for 48 hours. The patient's condition improves significantly an hour after taking Kestin.
The drug helps with allergies to plant pollen. Even those who suffer from asthma note an 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 an acute reactionto an irritant (Quincke's edema, etc.).
Kestin is produced in the form of tablets and syrup. Like any drug, it has contraindications. These should include:
- Children under 12.
- 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. Approximate cost - 214 rubles.
Allergy drug Claritin
Claritin is especially popular. It ranks second in the list of effective allergy drugs. 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 seen 30 minutes after administration. "Claritin" is considered a relatively safe medication. It can be given to children and pregnant women, but only after consultation with specialists. Among the contraindications is lactation.
"Claritin" does not have a sedative effect and does not enhance the effects of alcoholic beverages. The medicine is available 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 volume of the package.
The remedy copes with many manifestations of allergies, completely eliminating them. It can also be used to relieve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose,coughing, sneezing. The drug does not provoke the development of infection and does not dry the mucous membranes in cases where allergies are combined with SARS.
Description of the drug "Telfast"
The main active ingredient is fexofenadine. "Telfast" refers to third-generation drugs. The effect of the reception is noted after 1 hour. The activity of the main component persists for about a day. The drug has practically no side effects. However, it is not recommended to give it to children under the age of 12, as well as to women during lactation. Can be used during pregnancy and renal insufficiency. However, the dosage should be reduced.
Produced "Telfast" in the form of tablets. The approximate cost is 1380 rubles. You can take the drug in courses for seasonal allergies. As the reviews show, the drug relieves symptoms of malaise when reacting to pet hair, dust and pollen. Can be used for skin allergies.
What is Zyrtec
This is a second generation drug, which includes such an active ingredient as cetirizine. The duration of the therapeutic effect lasts about a whole day. A positive effect after application is noted after an hour. "Zirtek" perfectly copes with the manifestations of allergic reactions, both with seasonal and acute forms of the disease. The drug also suppresses respiratory symptoms, copes with rashes on the skin. Can be takencourses.
"Zirtek" is often prescribed to children (starting from 2 years). However, the drug is not recommended for pregnant women and, of course, lactating women. If the patient suffers from renal insufficiency, then the dosage is reduced. It is worth considering that the drug has a sedative effect. However, such reactions are rare. "Zirtek" enhances the effect of alcoholic beverages. Therefore, it is not recommended to combine it with alcohol. Approximate cost - from 170 to 490 rubles.
Antihistamine "Cetrin"
"Cetrin" is prescribed for the occurrence of allergic rhinitis, with allergic reactions on the skin. The effect of the application becomes noticeable after 1 hour. The active ingredient remains active for about a day. The drug helps with irritations, urticaria, rashes and inflammations on the skin. The medicine helps patients cope with reactions to the pollen of certain flowers, 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 enhance the effects of alcohol. However, doctors do not recommend combining it with alcohol. If the patient has renal failure, then the dosage of "Cetrin" is halved. The approximate cost of the drug is from 140 to 250 rubles.
“Cetirizine” for allergies
This drug is relatively inexpensive, but effective. Produced in the form of tablets. The effect after taking it is felta few minutes later. 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 expected contact with an 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 signs of malaise, including runny nose, watery eyes, 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 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 this medication are rare. Most often it is a cardiotoxic or sedative effect. The approximate cost of the drug is from 66 to 140 rubles.
Hydrocortisone topical ointment
"Hydrocortisone" is a topical preparation for rashes and irritations on the skin. This is a hormonal drug that is used not only to eliminate the signs of allergies. 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 systematicapplication, and for emergency assistance with manifestations of allergies. It is not recommended to use this drug for pregnant women and, of course, lactating women. Ointment can be prescribed to a child from 2 years old. Also contraindications are bacterial, fungal and viral lesions of the skin, dermatitis, ulcerative lesions and tumors.
Finally
The range of drugs for allergies is quite large. Choosing the right medicine is not so easy. Therefore, if there are signs of allergies, it is recommended to seek help from specialists. Only a doctor can prescribe an adequate and safe therapy. Do not forget that many antihistamines have contraindications, including children under 2 years of age, as well as pregnancy and lactation.
