Allergy medicine giving me rash!

[sandybrown]

I have used allergy medication for number of years, the last two weeks it is giving me rash. It all started with side effect of pain medication like paracetamol and co codamol with paracetamol, which can give rash. This all new to me.

[sandybrown]

I have been keeping a diary. I take on Zirtek 10mg in the evening before I go to bed. I have done this for many years. Since taking pain medication for bad knee I wake up at 4AM, my body is full of rash and itchy!!!!

Why not during the day? what after 6 hours of sleep? Will my GP understand my findings.

I took one Zirtek this morning and one again before I go to sleep, will find out tomorrow at 4AM!

[strongmouse in reply to sandybrown]

Hi Sandybrown, I hope you've discovered some answers to help you. From my long experience of multiple allergies one problem with medication is not just the main ingredients but the things added to the tablets which can include corn (maize starch or glucose) and lactose aswell as colourants. They can all cause a reaction.

Yes it is possible to have delayed reactions. Some GPs are good at understanding but many receive no training in allergies. I find it helpful to do my own online research from a reputable source and take in to discuss with GP. Allergy UK and Action Against Allergy are both helpful organisations.

[Thegymnast]

I found that I got a rash on my lower legs from taking Loratadine which is an anti allergy med. I was told 'well try something else then'....