Monday, October 11, 2010

Antiallergenic or Antihistamines Drugs


Histamine is the name of the most famous chemical involved in allergic reactions. When histamine is released, causing swelling and bloating of vessels, as well as increase secretive and itching. In the case of rhinitis, the presence of histamine causes itching, sneezing, runny nose and nasal blocking. In urticaria causes reddish cards very itchy skin. In ocular allergy, results in itching, redness and irritation of the conjunctiva of the eyes. In atopic dermatitis can help control the itch, which is intense and affect the skin, worsening of the disease.


Since the 1930s, it was noted that it was possible to relieve allergy symptoms using remedies that antagonism with histamine. But, only in the 1940s was released the first remedy antihistamine. Since then, knowledge only made grow and today we have many remedies for this purpose. 

Is important to remember that histamine is not exclusive of allergy because other diseases also participates. Therefore, today there are antihistamines used in the treatment of vomiting, dizziness, etc. But here we will talk only of medications used to treat allergies, called ANTI-histamines (or anti allergenic H1 can be divided into 2 groups: Classic and 1)
2 non-Classics)

Anti-allergenic or Anti-histamines Classics

These are the older anti allergenic, called first generation because were the first to be used in the treatment of allergic diseases, being the best-known:
  • Dexclorofeniramina
  • Hydroxyzine
  • Promethazine
  • Ciproeptadina
Side effects:

The most common and troublesome effect is the sedation. Cite: somnolence (or shake), decreased concentration, memory and changes of psycho-motor coordination. Can cause also: dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, increase of appetite and weight gain. These medications should be avoided in drivers, riders or in workers at risk of accident.

Use associated:

Some remedies associate anti allergenic H1 to decongestants. Some of these associations are marketed with free sale and even advertised in the media as anti-gripes. But, its use should be avoided, unless prescribed by the doctor.

The association with decongestants (pseudoephedrine) can cause unpleasant side effects, such as: tachycardia, palpitations, insomnia, nervousness and irritability, among others.


Anti-histamines Anti-allergenic or not classic

This group of drugs is also known as "second generation" or "new generation" because they are the most modern, encompassing a wide range of products, belonging to the following groups:

  • Loratadine
  • Desloratadine:
  • Cetirizine
  • Levocetirizine
  • Ebastina
  • Fexofenadine
The emergence of these drugs was a breakthrough, because provide relief of symptoms causing little sedation, with minimal effects on activity and psycho motor impairment. 

Side effects:


In some cases, you may experience headache (headache), being the most significant side effect. Most are authorised for use in children and adults. Desloratadine and fexofenadine are authorized for use after 6 months of age, being the other recommended after 2 years of age.

Use associated:

These medications can also be used in association with pseudoephedrine, resulting in decongestant effect. In this case, the commercial name comes plus the letter d. In the same way as in AH classics, should be done cautiously due to the possibility of adverse effects, especially: insomnia. agitation, tachycardia, actions in the prostate and glaucoma, among others.


Anti-allergenic Anti-antihistamines Nasal and Ocular Usage

Recently were launched medicines antihistamines use shaped nasal spray or drop eye shape act in direct treatment of allergic rhinitis and ocular, with minimal side effects. They are:
  • Azelastina
  • Olopatadina
  • Emedastina
  • Cetotifeno


Anti-allergenic Anti-antihistamines antagonist phytotherapeutic exists on the market with a basis of extract of leaves of Petasites hybridus

Anti-allergenic Anti-antihistamines antagonist used in the form of creams and ointments are not recommended for use due to its low efficiency and high index of allergy, contact dermatitis, often of great intensity, compromising the patient.

No comments:

Post a Comment