Taking antihistamine whilst on Furosemide

[Chelsea55]

It was whilst researching all the drugs I am taking post heart attack , I found out you should not take both the above at the same time . I asked my G.P about this ,he said I was to take the Furosemide alternative days and tale the antihistamine everyday for my hay fever . Has anyone else been this advice . Many thanks

[Hidden]

Not medically qualified in the slightest, but from checking the list of interactions for furosemide on the BNF (the prescribing ‘bible’ used by all doctors in the U.K.), none of the regularly used otc/prescribed antihistamines are listed as interacting e.g. cetirizine, chlorphenamine, fexofenadine, diphenhydramine. My own understanding is that the issue with antihistamines is that furosemide can increase or decrease the rate of excretion (as it can with quite a few things, being a diuretic), meaning that you may need a bigger or smaller dose of antihistamine than usual depending on which one you take, but not necessarily that you need to alter the dosages the way you’ve been advised, or that you can’t take the two together. I’m not saying your GP is wrong, but do just wonder whether you’d be better off speaking to a pharmacist about this? They’re far more qualified than a GP when it comes to drug interactions, that’s why they’re the ones that check what the GP has prescribed before giving it to you.

[Exie8]

I would maybe discuss this again with your GP or possibly your pharmacist.

[ahk59]

Hiya,been taking both for 8 yrs and never had issues or the GP saying the advise you were given

[MDR1]

I've been taking both for 3 years, after checking with my cardiac nurse and my GP. Both said it was ok.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I have been on both but at separate times. The antihistamine was a very short course as it caused an irregular heart beat - not uncommon according to my GP.

[LBCdance]

If you have a good pharmacist you respect and and trust, why not speak to him/her or of course your GP and scanning back that seems to be the advice most people give

[Qualipop]

I have a condition that requires me to carry antihistamines at all times and take when needed. I've been on furosemide for 20 yrs and no one has ever mentioned a problem as long as I take the newer antihistamines .

[SAMARJIT]

Cheksea55I am not aware of any of the common antihistamines having an adverse interaction with furosemide. I have also checked in the British National Formulary. Regards