Archive for the ‘Allergies’ Category

Allergy Drugs: Nasal Corticosteroids

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Nasal Corticosteroids

Triamcinolone nasal inhalation (Nasacort HFA)
Mometasone nasal spray (Nasonex)
Fluticasone nasal inhalation (Flonase)
Beclomethasone nasal inhalation (Beconase AQ)
Triamcinolone nasal spray (Nasacort AQ)
Budesonide nasal inhaler (Rhinocort Aqua)
Flunisolide nasal inhalation (Nasarel)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

This class of allergy medications reduces substances that promote allergy reactions such as a runny nose and swelling.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Decreased runny nose and nasal congestion.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

- Burning, dryness, or irritation inside the nose
- Headache
- Nosebleed
- Unpleasant taste
- Throat irritation

MAJOR CAUTIONS

- Blurred vision or other vision change
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Stomach pain
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- White patches or sores in the mouth or nose (fungal infection) (more…)

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Allergy Drugs: Nasal Anticholinergics

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Nasal Anticholinergics

Ipratropium nasal (Atrovent nasal)

HOW DOES THIS DRUG WORK?

This drug blocks the effect of the cholinergic nerves. This causes the muscles to relax and the lung bronchi to dilate for improved breathing. It also relieves a runny nose.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Treats a runny nose and improves breathing that is affected by allergies. (more…)

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Allergy Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Montelukast granules (Singulair granules)
Montelukast (Singulair)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

These medications block the action or production of inflammatory compounds known as leukotrienes. These compounds are normally released during infection or an allergic response.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

They reduce allergy symptoms and are safer than steroids for long-term use by those with asthma caused by allergies.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

- Cough
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Indigestion or stomach upset
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Unusual dreams

MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)

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Allergy Drugs: Decongestants

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Decongestants

Pseudoephedrine
Actifed Daytime Allergy
Cenafed, Decofed
Dimetapp Decongestant Pediatric
Dimetapp Maximum Strength 12-Hour Non-Drowsy Extentabs
Dimetapp Maximum Strength Non-Drowsy Liqui-Gels
Dorcol Children

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Allergy Drugs: Antihistamines

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Antihistamines

Brompheniramine (BroveX, BroveX CT, Lodrane 12 Hour ER Tablet)
Chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor, Allergy, Chlo-Amine, Chlor-Trimeton, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Efidac 24)
Promethazine Oral (Phenergan)
Azelastine Nasal Spray (Astelin)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)
Dexchlorpheniramine oral syrup
Desloratadine (Clarinex)
Brompheniramine Oral Suspension (BroveX Oral Suspension)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Clemastine (Dayhist-1, Tavist, Tavist Allergy)
Diphenhydramine Oral (AllerMax, Banophen, Benadryl, Diphenhist, Genahist)
Dexchlorpheniramine ER
Carbinoxamine (Histex CT)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

Antihistamines work by preventing histamine from binding to histamine receptors. This prevents the release of chemicals in cells that cause allergy symptoms.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

This class of allergy medications is effective in reducing the symptoms of sneezing, itchiness, and a runny nose.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach upset
- Vision changes
- Irritability
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Dry nose
- Unusual restlessness or nervousness in children

MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)

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Allergy Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives. What Are Allergies?

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Allergy Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives. What Are Allergies?

Allergies are a very common health problem in the United States; approximately one out of five people is affected by hay fever.With this condition sufferers react to substances in the environment such as grass or tree pollens. This is usually seasonal. Some people react year-round to things such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, congested sinus, watery and/or itchy eyes, and sinus pressure and pain. Allergies can also cause sinus headaches, fatigue, inability to focus, itchy mouth and throat, sore throat, sleep problems, asthma, eczema, and a variety of other health problems. (more…)

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