Latest news with #antihistamines
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Drugs used to relieve allergies may harm our brains in the long run
Over-the-counter antihistamines, commonly used for allergies, colds, and sleep, may increase the risk of dementia, according to recent studies. First-generation antihistamines, like Benadryl, more easily cross the blood-brain barrier and impact acetylcholine, a key brain chemical for memory, posing a higher risk compared to second-generation options. A 2023 study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease linked frequent use of first-generation antihistamines to an increased risk of dementia in older adults. Dr. Pamela Tambini advises caution with over-the-counter antihistamines, noting they can impair thinking and potentially lead to long-term cognitive issues, especially in older adults. Doctors recommend exploring newer antihistamine options like Claritin and consulting with a healthcare provider to determine the safest and most effective treatment.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
This common over-the-counter drug could be linked to dementia
A commonly-used over-the-counter medication that can provide allergy and cold relief or serve as sleep aids may increase a person's risk of dementia. Antihistamines work to block the chemical histamine, which causes uncomfortable allergy symptoms. However, what kind of antihistamine you're taking can make a big difference to your long-term health. There are two main types of antihistamines on the market: first-generation and second-generation. Physicians say that these 'first-generation' antihistamines are less safe because they more easily cross your blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system, causing drowsiness. The second-generation antihistamines, meanwhile, do not. "People sometimes assume these medications must be harmless because they are sold over the counter, but if you use them too often or for too long, they can mess with your thinking, make you groggy during the day, and possibly lead to long-term problems," Dr. Pamela Tambini, an internal medicine physician and medical director at Engage Wellness, recently told Women's Health. The first-generation antihistamines specifically target a key brain chemical involved in memory that is called acetylcholine. Because of their design, they have a long-term impact on our brain's health. That negative impact has been documented for a few years — but may not be something on your mind when you need relief. Frequent use of these first-generation sleep medications has been tied to an increased risk of the chronic disease in older adults, according to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2023. A 2024 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology also said there was some risk associated with second-generation antihistamines, but it was lower. A study published this year in the World Allergy Organization Journal suggests that people should avoid taking Benadryl. Although studies have found an association between the drugs — including Benadryl — and dementia, researchers say it doesn't prove that they do cause the condition, according to Harvard Medical School. However what is known is that the drugs that block acetylcholine, which can cause confusion and increase fall risks in older people. Furthermore, the body's production of acetylcholine dwindles with age. So, blocking that can be an even larger blow to older adults, who are at greater risk for dementia. Notably, many drugs have a stronger effect on older people, who also tend to take more medications. "If you are constantly dampening that system with these medications, your brain does not function as well," said Tambini. "Over time, that can lead to memory issues or even contribute to cognitive decline, particularly if you're already at risk." Instead, doctors recommend people turn to other, newer options, such as Claritin. Although, it is alright to occasionally use an over-the-counter sleep aid. "There are safer, more effective options out there — and talking to your doctor is a great first step in figuring out what's really going on and how to get your sleep back on track,' Tambini said.
CNET
23-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Zyrtec and Xyzal Flagged by FDA for New Side Effect. How to Know When to See Your Doctor
Over-the-counter allergy medicines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and levocetirizine (Xyzal) have become common drugs for many people in the US who suffer from seasonal symptoms like watery eyes and sneezing, but now the FDA indicates that both drugs have a new risk. The FDA recently published a warning about these antihistamines, saying that patients who suddenly stop taking these medicines after long-term use "may experience rare but severe itching." The itching, which is also known as pruritus, occurred in patients who had been taking cetirizine and levocetirizine daily for a few months or even years. The FDA estimates that 62.7 million over-the-counter packages of cetirizine and levocetirizine were bought in 2022. The same year, about 26.8 million cetirizine and levocetirizine prescriptions for both OTC and prescription products were dispensed from US outpatient pharmacies. Considering that allergies are getting worse, partly because of climate change creating longer, more intense pollen seasons, it wouldn't be surprising if these numbers continue to climb. The FDA decided to issue this warning after identifying 209 cases worldwide -- 180 cases for cetirizine, 27 for levocetirizine and two for both -- of this particular side effect reported between April 2017 and July 2023. However, there may be more cases, since these are only those that were reported to the FDA. Interestingly, even though most patients who experienced this severe itching had been taking these antihistamines for over three months, some had this reaction after less than one month of use. Due to these findings, the FDA will now include a warning on the prescribing information for prescription cetirizine and levocetirizine. The administration is also asking that manufacturers add this warning to drug facts labels for OTC versions. For those who dealt with this side effect, restarting the antihistamine or tapering it off after restarting often resolved the issue. According to the FDA, the most common side effects of cetirizine and levocetirizine are fatigue, drowsiness, sore throat, cough, dry mouth, nosebleed, fever, diarrhea and vomiting. When to contact your doctor If you stop taking OTC cetirizine or levocetirizine and develop severe itching within a few days after you'd been using the medicine daily for several months to years, you should contact your doctor. If you plan to take these medicines for a prolonged period of time, you should also discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before starting.
CNET
22-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
The FDA Released a Warning About Zyrtec and Xyzal for 1 Newly Discovered Side Effect
Do you take oral allergy medicines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal)? The FDA recently published a warning about these antihistamines, saying that patients who suddenly stop taking these medicines after long-term use "may experience rare but severe itching." Specifically, the itching (also known as pruritus) occurred in patients who had been taking cetirizine and levocetirizine daily for a few months or even years. The FDA estimates that 62.7 million over-the-counter (OTC) packages of cetirizine and levocetirizine were bought in 2022. This same year, about 26.8 million cetirizine and levocetirizine prescriptions for both OTC and prescription products were dispensed from US outpatient pharmacies. Considering that allergies are getting worse, partly because of climate change creating longer, more intense pollen seasons, it wouldn't be surprising if these numbers continue to climb. The FDA decided to issue this warning after identifying 209 cases worldwide -- 180 cases for cetirizine, 27 for levocetirizine and two for both -- of this particular side effect reported between April 2017 and July 2023. However, there may be more cases, since these are only those that were reported to the FDA. Interestingly, though most patients who experienced this severe itching had been taking these antihistamines for over three months, some actually had this reaction after less than one month of use. Due to these findings, the FDA will now include a warning on the prescribing information for prescription cetirizine and levocetirizine. The administration is also asking that manufacturers add this warning to drug facts labels for OTC versions. For those who dealt with this side effect, restarting the antihistamine or tapering it off after restarting often resolved the issue. According to the FDA, the most common side effects of cetirizine and levocetirizine are fatigue, drowsiness, sore throat, cough, dry mouth, nosebleed, fever, diarrhea and vomiting. When to contact your doctor If you stop taking OTC cetirizine or levocetirizine and develop severe itching within a few days after daily use for several months to years, you should contact your doctor. If you plan to take these medicines for months or years, you should also discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before starting.
WebMD
16-05-2025
- Health
- WebMD
Beat Your Allergies Daily With This Hour-by-Hour Guide
May 16, 2025 – Ah, spring – baseball is starting, school is ending, and for many, the pollen is really punching. Which means the sneezing and itching and dripping and eye -rubbing make the whole season miserable. This year, it could be different. If you've had allergies for a while, you have your arsenal of meds, but make sure you have the latest versions. And consider a battle plan that uses the clock wisely. You probably know how your allergic attacks happen: An allergen binds to certain cells, which release a molecule called histamine. That then binds to receptors that trigger all the symptoms you know about allergic rhinitis – sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, itching, stuffiness, and more. Over-the-counter antihistamines block that binding; some are combined with decongestants for those with stuffy noses. "The idea is they're going to war against the histamines," said David B. Corry, MD, a professor of pathology and immunology and medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine. First-generation medications like Benadryl can cause drowsiness. But second-gen antihistamines won't – like cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and levocetirizine (Xyzal). These newer meds don't cross the blood- brain barrier, which is what causes the sleepiness, Corry said. (Note: Generic versions work just as well as name-brand meds.) New research shows that timing may influence how well they work. Though some small studies look at the differences between how well morning doses and evening doses work, that research is still in early stages, Corry said. But you can do your own timing tests. "You can do self-experimentation, ideally with input from your physician," he said. This sample guide may help you get through -ah-choo the day. 11 p.m. Your allergy survival plan starts the night before. If you're one of the many who find their symptoms are worse overnight or early in the morning, consider taking an antihistamine before bed to feel better in the morning. 7 a.m. Get moving. Some studies suggest that regular exercise could help manage seasonal allergy symptoms by reducing airway inflammation and improving airflow. One study, published this month, showed that regular resistance exercise was linked to improvement in allergic symptoms and inflammatory markers (as well as quality of life). If you prefer outdoor workouts, earlier may be better. Pollen counts tend to be lower between 4 a.m. and noon, according to research done in Atlanta and presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. But this pattern can vary, depending on your location. To get the most accurate information for your area, consider using an allergy/pollen count app – like Allergy Plus by – to track peak times in your area. If pollen counts are higher, move your workout indoors. 10 a.m. Take an antihistamine in the morning to head off symptoms before they start. Antihistamines start working at different times for different people, typically within about one to two hours. So knowing when your symptoms usually start allows you to get a head start. 11 a.m. If you're not feeling much relief, you can try a nasal rinse or a steroid nasal spray, which can help reduce inflammation and calm down mast cells, the white cells linked to the release of histamines. Taking one in the morning can keep daytime symptoms lower. They take seven to 10 days to see a benefit, said Trisha S. Ray, MD, a clinical allergist and faculty member at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. Ideally, begin sprays about a week before pollen season begins. Noon It's lunchtime – what's on your plate? Foods like fish and eggs can provide vitamin D, a nutrient that may play a role in immune health, including allergy management. A 2025 research review examined five trials and found some evidence suggesting vitamin D supplements could help reduce allergic symptoms (though more research is needed to better understand the connection). While you're at it, you could schedule an acupuncture appointment. In a 2018 study, acupuncture appeared to reduce antihistamine use in patients with seasonal allergies. 1 p.m. Have you been drinking water throughout the day? Keep chugging. Water can help thin mucus to open up the airways. 2 p.m. It's getting nasty now. "Pollen counts peak midday, so that's the worst time to go out," Ray said. If your efforts haven't given you relief, you can try nasal saline sprays and rinses to flush out the allergen. They'll also help avoid the drying-out that antihistamines can cause. (Do not make your own saline solution with tap water, because of risks of contaminated water, Corry said.) Or you can use nasal antihistamines if you find they work best for you. It's possible you've been spraying wrong: Tilt your head down and aim toward the ear, so it doesn't go down your throat, Ray said. A small 2025 study showed that proper technique may be linked to reduced symptoms. 6 p.m. On beautiful spring days, it's tempting to roll the windows down and feel the breeze as you leave your work behind. But you should keep the windows up and the AC on, Ray said. This will help keep exposure to allergens down. 7 p.m. It can help to shower in the evening rather than the morning, Ray said. You want to get that gunk off you so you don't carry it indoors from outside. Good anti-pollen hygiene means you remove your clothes after you've been outside, get them in the washer, and shower to rinse that pollen down the drain. 10 p.m. Tough day for symptoms? It's OK to double up on over-the-counter antihistamines and sprays. "For people really suffering, they all can be used together," Ray said. And as mentioned earlier, taking them at night can help keep symptoms from wrecking your sleep – or if your symptoms are worse first thing in the morning. Making a Schedule Work for You With all of these, pick times that work for you so you can be consistent. "If you're scatter-brained in the morning, maybe take them at night – keep them on the nightstand or the kitchen counter or wherever you're going to have the easiest access," Ray said. Let your body and reactions dictate your approach, especially in cases when you can't identify the trigger (and it's too complex to test for everything, Corry said). Take note – literally, jot it down – when the symptoms come, so you can find out whether day or night is better for you, Corry said. And if over-the-counter treatments don't help, consult an allergist, who may recommend other treatments such as immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops).
