Is it bad to take 2 antihistamines every day

Im a pharmacist heres the truth about taking more than one antihistamine a day

ANTIHISTAMINES are a hay fever sufferers lifeline in the summer months.

The daily pill relieves a whole host of symptoms, from itchy eyes to a streaming nose.

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There are dozens to choose from - chlorphenamine, cetirizine and fexofenadine all fall under antihistamines and are some of the most popular choices.

Pharmacy2U Superintendent Pharmacist, Phil Day, explained how they work.

He told The Sun: When your body comes into contact with allergens like pollen, your body can respond to it by producing a chemical called histamines.

Histamines cause swelling and expansion of the blood vessels, which is the root of most hay fever symptoms.

Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, so you should notice a decrease in swelling, itching, and other symptoms when you take them.

Frequent sufferers may find regular treatment more beneficial to keep the symptoms at bay. For more severe cases, prescription strength antihistamines may be required.

According to Chemist4U, some 65 per cent of people with hay fever globally rely on antihistamines.

And GPs in Bridgend, Wales, prescribe the highest amount of antihistamines compared to anywhere else in the UK.

But as the pollen count soars across the UK this week, many people will be wondering the same thing.

Can you take more than one antihistamine in a day, and whats the worst that could happen?

Phil said: You should always check the label of your medication to ensure you are taking the correct dosage.

If you're a healthy adult and take more than the daily recommended dose, you probably won't experience many negative side effects.

However, larger overdoses can be a lot more serious, especially in children.

If you think you have taken too many antihistamines, it's best to seek professional medical help, as overdose symptoms can take a while to kick in.

Some antihistamines cause drowsiness (such as chlorphenamine (Piriton), cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine and promethazine).

Other side effects include a dry mouth, blurred vision and headaches.

Symptoms of an overdose - which can be life-threatening, as with any medicine - include increased drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, confusion and loss of balance.

With the non-drowsy forms of antihistamine, an overdose would be less severe, Healthline reports.

It may cause dizziness, a headache, drowsiness and agitation.

People have died from taking too many antihistamines because they have suffered complications such as cardiac arrest due to a rapid heart rate.

Researchers warned in a 2021 paper that antihistamine deaths were increasing in England, due to the rise in their popularity.

Its always important to read the packaging of your antihistamines.

Phil added: Taken in their recommended dose, antihistamines are fine to take regularly but you should discuss with your pharmacist or GP before taking them for a prolonged period of time.

When should you take your antihistamine?

Given antihistamines should be taken just once per day, when is the best time of day to take them?

Some swear by them in the morning, while others take them before bed to wake up feeling refreshed.

The NHS says the leaflet will tell you when to take it, as some types are best before bedtime.

MedlinePlus reports: For many people with allergies, symptoms are the worst around 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Taking an antihistamine at bedtime may help you or your child feel better in the morning during allergy season.

Cetirizine - Brand names: Allacan, Benadryl Allergy, Piriteze Allergy, Zirtek Allergy

If you or your child have been prescribed cetirizine, follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take it. If it is from a pharmacy or shop, follow the instructions that come with the packet.

Dosage and strength

Cetirizine comes as tablets and capsules (10mg) and as a liquid medicine (labelled either 5mg/5ml or 1mg/1ml).

The usual dose for adults is 10mg once a day.

Doses are usually lower for people with kidney problems.

Children

• For children between 6 to 11 years of age, the usual dose is 5mg, twice a day. Try to leave 10 to 12 hours between doses. So, one first thing in the morning, and one before bedtime.
• For children between 2 to 5 years of age, the dose is 2.5mg, twice a day.
• For children between 1 to 2 years of age, your doctor will use their weight or age to work out the right dose.

How to take it

You can take cetirizine with or without food, but always take the tablets or capsules with a drink of water, milk or squash. Swallow them whole. Do not chew them.

Cetirizine liquid may be easier for children to take than tablets. The liquid medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to give the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure out the right amount.

When to take it

You may only need to take cetirizine on a day you have symptoms for example, if you have been in contact with something that has triggered your allergy, like animal hair.

Or you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms for example, to stop hay fever during spring and summer.

What if I forget to take it?

Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget to give a dose to a child who is taking cetirizine twice a day, you can give the missed dose if it's within 4 hours of when they should have had it.

If you remember more than 4 hours after, do not give the missed dose. Instead, wait until the next dose and carry on as normal.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

Cetirizine is generally very safe. Taking more than the usual dose is unlikely to harm you or your child.

If you take an extra dose, you might get some of the common side effects. If this happens or you're concerned, contact your doctor.