Antihistamine

[Ruby_17]

Hey! Im ruby 17 years old. I would just ask you guys. Hmm is Claritin (tablet) effective in treating allergic rhinitis? Cause i was diagnosed allergic rhinitis. The doctor prescript a medicine, i bought and then take the medicine but its not effective. So im asking you guys i need some opinion. Thankyou!

[KnPoa]

If you don't feel it's working, I would go back to your doctor and ask for something different

[Chip_y2kuk]

What did the doctor prescribe? How long for? Claritin is an effective anti histamine but you may need something stronger

[WheezyAnne]

Antihistamines are weird. What works for one person, may not work for another, or may work if taken at a higher dose (only with doctors permission). Claritin does not work for me, so I have Ceterizine,, which does not work if I only have one a day, so Consultant suggested I increase it to 2 a day. Works well at that dosage. There are many antihistamines out there, you just need to find one which works. Discuss with your GP, or even your Pharmacist. There are cheaper ones like Piriton (brand name) which may have been around for a long time, but they still work, though can make some people drowsy (not me).

[Tonitru in reply to WheezyAnne]

Me too. See below for another tip.

[diana-stoyanova]

Like WheezyAnne said, antihistamines are weird. I've taken Claritin and it partially smoothed off my allergy for a short period of time. However, it never affected my rhinitis. Funny, huh? Anyhow, I know people who've had it better with Claritin in particular.

Also, like Chip_y2kuk said, you (like me) may need something stronger. In fact, the options are so many you don't even have an idea. It took me YEARS to find an antihistamine-and-corticosteroid spray to relieve my rhinitis to a point where I only need medication in spring.

Good look with figuring it out.

-D

[Hidden]

Just so you know - Clarityn is a Brand name but the drug is Loratadine. Cetirizine you will know as Benadryl and Chlorphenamine as Piriton. The only one that works for me is Loratadine (Clarityn) but everyone is different hence you will see other responses that say Cetirizine or Chlorphenamine. The last two send me to sleep so are no good for me. Do go back to GP and try that route first ... when you know which is best you can order bigger supplies of generic ones cheaper than prescription (unless your GP will prescribe them in high numbers!)

[Hidden]

You may benefit from a different brand. They are all different. Piriton works best for me but can make you drowsy. Doctor needs to review you.

[Tonitru]

Like WheezyAnne, cetirizine works better for me than Claritin/loratidine. Also try newer desloartidine. Tip from my pharmacist: if you have allergies and regularly take a non-drowsy (second-generation) antihistamine such as cetirizine or Claritin, DON'T double the dose if you get a bad attack unless recommended by your Dr. Instead, add an old-fashioned (first-generation) antihistamine (+ decongestant if not already taking). They can also help with a cold. I find most helpful if available is Dimetapp Liquid - fast acting, minimal drowsiness; second choice Chlorpheniramine (Chlortripolon etc.) plus Sudafed.