In the case of pollen allergies, is it ok to take an antihistamine while on Prednisone? I have mild symptoms, runny nose and teary eyes and so far haven't taken any antihistamines, but would it be safe to do so if symptoms get worse?
I am on 4 mg for another month before attempting to taper to 3.5 mg, which has been my "sticking point" in the past.
Despite the runny nose, it's great to see nature waking up again. Does wonders for the moral 🌼
I've been taking loratidine as required for some time - doesn't see to have been a problem and I am by far from the only one on the forum,
I take prescription fexofenadine all year round as I have several allergies and it presumably wouldn't be prescribed if there were any problems taking it with my other meds, and I certainly haven't had any adverse effects.
I take both, regularly!
Good morning, I have been taking Loratadine for years for various issues around dust and pollen. Ok so far
I've had no problems with taking loratadine.
You can take antihistamines with no problems. The newer ones ( though not so new now) , loratidine, cetirizine,fexofenadine, etc are designed for once daily dosage and shouldn't cause drowsiness. I was taught that they are not switch on - switch off antihistamines, meaning you should take them throughout the pollen season rather than at random as symptoms dictate. Sadly i haven't been able to find a modern reference to back that up. The old antihistamines like promethazine and chlorpheniramine do cause drowsiness and have a shorter half life so are given three times a day, but work immediately. Personally i find chlorpheniramine better than all for help with perennial rhinitis. I take it at bedtime. It helps me sleep and dries up the secretions. You shouldn't take both types though.
The NHS page says that for hayfever/pollen allergies. they differentiate that from one-off exposure to pet hair for example.
nhs.uk/medicines/loratadine....
"When to take it
You may only need to take loratadine on a day when you have symptoms, for instance if you've been exposed to a trigger such as animal hair. Or you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms, such as hay fever during spring and summer.
Try to take loratadine at about the same time every day. Choose a time that is easy to remember."
I've been prescribed various ones over the years and am on steroids and have neveer been told of any incompatibilities. I'm on long term Cimetidine for allergies too
For the past 8 years, maybe longer, I've taken an antihistamine called Unisom. You can only get it in certain countries. I get mine from Northern Cyprus when I visit. It's the first generation of antihistamine that makes you drowsy. I take quarter to a half at night to help me sleep. I've had no side effects, even after being prescribed prednisolone.
Also known as doxylamine if anyone is interested. Often used for insomnia
I develop palpitations if I am on either an H1 blocker, such as cetirizine, any length of time, or an H2 blocker such as famotidine. This I had happen, and been told, a long time ago when I visited a cardiologist. Recently I needed some famotidine because I neglected to take my pred with something. I figured the capsule was enough. I am also on antiarrhymic meds, for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and hardly have a palp but, after about 3 weeks on famotidine, I was having frequent palpitations. Those stopped within 2 days of quitting famotidine. I can take an occasional Benadryl or chlortrimeton. For nasal allergies there is azelastine antihistamine spray I could use at night.
Take levocetirizine and fluticasone (Flonase) every day, benadryl when I'm having a bad reaction to something (maybe once a month, or less). Never any problems. Never had any of my many docs say anything.
I’ve used a daily antihistamine along with prednisone for many years and have never had any issues. I was diagnosed with PMR in 2011 and put on methotrexate later. That’s when I started using the Drugs.com app. It has an interaction feature. I put in my current drugs a supplements and it shows any interactions that there may be.
Just bear in mind though that the interactions apps only flag one to one interactions. When you are on multiple drugs, the dynamics can change and a mix of more than 2 drugs cause a problem.
I take a double dose of cetirizine every day. I've had no problems during three courses of prednisolone.
I take Loratadine for much of the year. I did check it out with the rheumy, who said it was fine.
In response to your question regarding allergies, I take Zyrtec daily for allergies. It is 10 mgs, but I have recently been going 1/2 to 5 mgs. It is a little less effective, but I can tolerate it. All these meds are an issue for me also.
Zero prednisone
PREDNISONE AND ASPIRIN
Heartburn and prednisone 
withdrawal symptoms from Prednisone
Prednisone Reduction
