A-Fib and antihistamines

[joebob]

I get really bad hayfever and this year it has been unbearable. Doctor prescribed me fenofexadine which works well and is pretty much the only one which doesn't make me drowsy.

I thought I would look online to find out if the are any contra-interactions etc. and I noticed on the NHS website it says to avoid if you have had heart problems. Looking into it further it seems it can cause AF!!!

I'm 2.5 years post op (ablation) with absolutely no sign of AF returning and yet last night in bed I got the familiar feeling of my heart skipping - no AF but a regular skip when laying on my left side.

I'm concerned about taking any more in case AF returns - anyone else have any experience with this?

[BobD Volunteer]

Arree the hayfever has been bad this year but I take common or garden loratadine with no problems.

[joebob in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. I know that all the over the counter meds are fine, but the problem is that they all make me drowsy - especially mixed with my daily diazepam (I'm addicted and can't get off the last 2mg daily).

[BobD Volunteer in reply to joebob]

Never had that problem.

[Jlaine in reply to BobD]

Loratadine is clariten right! I just read that it can trigger afib. I always took that for allergies and now afraid to use it anymore.Says I can't take benadryl either as it also triggers afib. Just about everything seems to trigger afib. Looks like we have to live in a bubble with no alcohol! Ya think??

[doodle68]

Hi Jobob I would have a word with your phamacist. I keep getting a rash on my back and went to talk to the pharmacist in Boots about the rash also to ask if it is ok to take antihistamines for insect bites while taking anticoagulants for AF . He said it was ok for me to take chlorphenamine malate (the generic name for Piriton) and I have done so without problems.

That said we all react differently to medication so it is wise to be cautious when taking any .

[Annekw]

Hi I have Cetirazine , no problems!

[JaneFinn]

Hi joebob,

I took piriton at night (drowsy making) and if needed for allergies for many years, but when I was diagnosed with AF, i read that they can cause heart arrhythmia.

My GP seemed to think antihistamines are ok, but the pharmacist said that all hayfever meds carry the risk of causing arrhythmia... whether they do will depend on each individual. Recommended trial and error.

I really hope your heart just reacted to the newness (or it was a coincidence) and it will settle down.

[Beta44]

Three years post ablation and on Doctor’s advice I won’t touch antihistamines. Not worth the risk.

Peter

[Ianc2]

Book a walking holiday in obergurgle austria- no pollen (2.500 metres high) and plenty of exercise, or enjoy the rain when it finally arrives. Just don't walk through the forests lower down unless there has been a thunder storm to give the atmosphere a good wash. I asked a local what was German for 'lightning'. He replied "Half past five". It's all part of life's rich pattern.