List of the best allergy drugs
Allergic reactions are provoked by anything: food, medicine and household chemicals, pet hair, pollen, ordinary dust, sun and even cold. Therefore, the question of what kind of medicine for allergies to choose from all those offered in pharmacies is very relevant.
Manifestations of allergies are not painful, but very unpleasant: tearing, sneezing, nasal discharge, rash on the face and body, which itches and inflames. Such a condition is especially hard for young children. In severe cases, angioedema occurs and anaphylactic shock develops. That is why it is so important to know which anti-allergy drugs, in which cases it is better to use, what are their differences and peculiarities. After all, every remedy for allergies has its own composition and mechanism of action, dosages and contraindications are also different. In order not to harm yourself and restore your normal state of health as quickly as possible, it is worth exploring the rating in detail and choosing the best remedy for allergies.
What are the means of allergies?
In modern therapy, anti-allergy tablets are used for three generations. Representatives of the last generation have incomparably fewer side effects and contraindications; they are distinguished by a faster and longer-lasting effect even at small dosages. But along with them, traditional anti-allergies are used for children and first-generation adults - sometimes they can only improve the patient's condition.
In addition to antihistamine medications, anti-allergy medications for children and older patients can also be prescribed:
corticosteroids - hormonal injections or tablets;
mast cell membrane stabilizers.
Below will be considered in more detail the most popular anti-allergy drugs from the listed categories. The rating is based on the effectiveness of the drug, the number of side effects and cost.
Antihistamines of different generations
To relieve the symptoms of allergy, it is required to act in two directions: eliminate the source of the allergy, and suppress the release of histamine, a substance that the body begins to actively produce in response to an irritant. The latter is achieved with the help of drugs from this group, they with different speed and efficiency relieve irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nasopharynx, treat rashes and edemas, other symptoms. Today, anti-allergy drugs of four generations are used.
In modern practical medicine and even more so in pediatrics, these anti-allergic drugs are used in rare cases. But sometimes they become the only possible salvation, so it’s worth learning more about them too. The disadvantages of such medicines are much greater than the advantages; the main one is a long list of contraindications and side effects.
Minuses
Negative effects on the central nervous system - almost all pills of this class have a pronounced sedative and sedative effect.
With rare exceptions - short duration of therapeutic effect.
Such drugs can reduce muscle tone.
Psychomotor agitation may occur with prolonged use of these drugs or accidental overdose.
During therapy with these drugs can not perform tasks that require high concentration of attention.
Allergy medicines of this generation enhance the effect of alcohol, analgesic drugs and some other means.
With a course of treatment for more than three weeks, tachyphylaxis develops - addiction to the active component of the drug, as a result of which its effectiveness decreases. For this reason, if after three weeks of therapy, the symptoms of allergy have not disappeared, the product used requires replacement.
In the United States and Europe, many of the drugs in this category are banned and no longer apply. This is due to too frequent negative actions, including tachycardia, drying of the oral mucosa, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision.
Benefits
Almost the only advantage these antihistamines have for skin allergies is accessibility. In comparison with the newer medical drugs of the latest generations, these are much cheaper. The effect appears quickly, but also persists for a while. Some of the tablets are used as an antiemetic or as an alternative while reducing the effect of the main drug.
Rating the best antihistamines from allergies of the first generation
Suprastin
It is still often prescribed for the treatment of allergies, especially in emergency situations - in this case it is administered as a solution intramuscularly or intravenously. In comparison with analogues of this class has few side effects and contraindications. The active ingredient is chloropyramine, it does not linger for a long time in the blood, is not deposited in the cells and is almost completely excreted through the kidneys with urine. For this reason, Suprastin should not be taken in patients who, in addition to allergies, also have kidney failure of any form. It has a sedative effect, provokes drowsiness, but is quite effective for urticaria, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, angioedema.
pros
Low cost.
Proven performance.
Minuses
It causes drowsiness and inhibits reflex reactions.
Not assigned to young children and pregnant women, drivers, doctors.
Tavegyl
It is a drug proven by many years of experience and is today used as an adjunct in the treatment of pseudo-allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock. Available in the form of tablets or liquid for injection. Despite the fact that Tavegyl belongs to the first generation, it is still popular today, along with more benign counterparts.
pros
High efficiency - Tavegil really helps to quickly deal with itching, swelling, sneezing and runny nose, tearing.
The effect can last up to eight hours - of all the tablets in this category, only these have such a long effect.
Minuses
Sometimes Tavegil causes allergies.
Can not be used to eliminate allergies in pregnant women and young children under the age of one year.
After taking the pills, it is prohibited to get behind the wheel and perform other responsible buildings that require increased attention and accuracy of movements.
Dimedrol
The active component of this drug is the substance Dimedrol. Without exaggeration, Dimedrol is called the progenitor of all antihistamines. In addition to antiallergic, it also has an anti-inflammatory effect, is included in the composition of the triad - a combination of drugs used by ambulance teams in emergency treatment.
pros
Low cost.
Quick action
It is well combined with other drugs.
Minuses
Drowsiness, lethargy, inhibition of reactions, or vice versa, excessive arousal, insomnia.
The active substance affects the contraction of the heart, causes anemia.
Dimedrol is best not to use for systemic treatment of children and pregnant or lactating women.
Diazolin
The active component of this drug is mebhydrolin.
pros
Suitable for all age categories.
It is inexpensive.
It acts quickly and retains its effect long enough.
Can be used for prophylaxis.
Minuses
Ineffective in severe forms of allergy as the main drug.
It has contraindications and side effects.
Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding, heart failure, epilepsy, glaucoma, prostate adenoma.
Antihistamines for second generation allergies
The main difference and advantage of these drugs - a slight effect on the central nervous system. Drowsiness or slowness of reactions occur much less frequently, only with a violation of the dosages or individual hypersensitivity of the patient to the active components. They also have less effect on heart tissue and the digestive tract. If you want to find a good, inexpensive anti-allergy remedy for children, doctors often turn to drugs of this particular category.
disadvantages
Not all means are applicable for women in the period of carrying and feeding a child, infants.
Can not be taken for kidney disease.
High price.
Benefits
Fast action lasts for 8–12 hours;
Significantly fewer adverse events.
The possibility of applying in pediatrics.
Below is an overview of the most frequently purchased drugs from this group.
Rating of the best antihistamines from second generation allergies
Claritine
Leader in its class. It is prescribed to eliminate the manifestations of allergy in patients of all ages, including the elderly and infants from one year.
pros
Does not inhibit the nervous system, does not reduce concentration.
Acts already after 20-30 minutes after administration and retains its effectiveness up to 8 hours.
Tablets quickly help reduce the pestering itching, swelling and redness of the skin, no less effective in laryngospasm and bronchospasm.
Minuses
Impact on the kidneys.
Rather high cost - for the same amount you can buy a safer last generation tool.
Fenistil
Another popular remedy of the second generation, despite the abundance of modern and improved medicines. According to the reviews, in its effectiveness, Fenistil is inferior to Claritin. But, nevertheless, it is very popular among young mothers, as it is available in different pharmaceutical forms. It is convenient to use it for the treatment of allergies in infants: the drops are taken orally, and the ointment is used externally against itching and redness.
pros
Quickly stops an attack of allergies and blocks the further production of histamines.
Effective with all types of allergies - food, sun, cold, chemicals, plants and animal hair.
Minuses
Weak sedation.
Inconsistency with alcohol and certain drugs.
Caution is prescribed to pregnant, lactating and small children.
Third generation antihistamine medication
Are metabolites of the previous generation. When exposed, the nervous system and heart are not affected, almost no effect on the kidneys. Accordingly, the price is higher.
disadvantages
At high cost, they cannot be used for the treatment of children under 2-6 years (with rare exceptions).
Not everyone can afford such expensive tools.
Benefits
Minimum side effects.
Excellent performance.
Duration of action.
For children are made in the form of syrups and suspensions with pleasant tastes.
Cetrine
It is a recognized leader among the medications produced by today. It does not cause drowsiness, does not inhibit reactions and reflexes, does not impair attention and vision, liver, kidney and heart function. Suitable for the elimination of manifestations of allergy of any kind, begins to act already a quarter of an hour after administration. To maintain a stable state of the patient, one dose per day is enough. And most importantly - practically has no contraindications, is appointed at any age.
Analogs of Cetrine from this category: Cetirizine, Zyrtec, Zodac, Aerius.
Allergy glucocorticoids
As a rule, they are resorted to in case of serious forms of pathology, are prescribed both locally and systemically, in the form of tablets and injections. The composition of these funds are the same hormones that are produced by the adrenal cortex. Because corticosteroids help relieve inflammation and allergies, where classical means are powerless. The most common of this class are such drugs:
Prednisolone;
Dexamethasone;
Beclamethasone.
Corticosteroids are prescribed for the treatment of asthma, side effects are less pronounced when used for inhalation. The main drawback is the unpredictability of possible side effects. Therefore, hormonal pills and solutions should never be started on their own.
Mast Cell Membrane Blocks
These are Ketotifen, Cromohexal, Intal. Available in the form of tablets, inhalations, syrups, sprays. Rarely assigned to children under two years of age. The active ingredients stabilize the membranes of mast cells and thereby stop the production of histamine, a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. They are also used exclusively on the recommendation of a doctor, especially in pediatrics.
There is no universal remedy for allergies. Each patient has its own physiological features, because each has its own best allergy pills that are ideal for him, and they may not be able to arrange another patient for one reason or another. Sometimes it takes months and years to search for the best means. But the range of modern anti-allergic drugs allows you to ultimately find exactly what is required - the question, as a rule, is in the price and availability of a well-stocked pharmacy.