Allergy pills that don't cause drowsiness

The modern pharmaceutical market offers a huge selection of anti-allergy drugs. Conventionally, three generations of tablets can be distinguished, which differ not only in the time of appearance, but also in their effect on the central nervous system and side effects.

First-generation drugs are relatively inexpensive and help to cope with various manifestations of allergies, but also cause a number of side effects, in particular, decreased reaction, drowsiness, visual impairment, constipation, etc.

Second-generation drugs are a little more expensive, but they also do not affect the nervous system as much. The principle of action of second-generation allergy pills is based on blocking H1 receptors (while other receptors are not affected), in addition, such drugs act faster and longer, compared to the previous generation of pills.

Before taking the pills, it is recommended to consult a doctor, since each drug has its own disadvantages, in particular, second-generation allergy pills, although they do not cause drowsiness and other side effects, can affect the heart rhythm (Edem, Erius, Fenistil, Claritin, etc.).

Third-generation drugs contain an active substance (for example, second-generation tablets break down into a radical and an active substance in the body, so their effect does not begin immediately), and cause a minimum of side effects. The main disadvantages of such tablets include their high cost and a small selection of drugs. Before taking them, you should consult a specialist, since each drug contains a different active substance and the advisability of taking a particular drug can only be determined by a doctor after a preliminary examination.

Third generation non-drowsy allergy pills are used for various conditions, for example, Telfast is indicated in severe cases (Quincke's edema), and Xizal is a broad-spectrum drug and is prescribed for various types of allergies.

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Indications for use

Allergy pills are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis, drug, seasonal, food allergies, dermatoses, neurogenic-allergic diseases (neurodermatitis).

Allergy pills that do not cause drowsiness are usually prescribed for seasonal allergic reactions, since such drugs do not affect a person’s lifestyle, have fewer side effects, and effectively reduce allergic reactions (rash, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, etc.).

Release form

Non-drowsy allergy pills are available as tablets, syrups, suspensions, and solutions for intravenous or intramuscular administration (injections are usually used during hospital treatment or in severe cases).

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Pharmacodynamics

Anti-allergy drugs are divided into three groups: antihistamines, mast cell membrane stabilizers, and corticosteroids.

Antihistamines suppress the production of a substance that appears in the blood under the influence of allergens (irritants) and causes unpleasant symptoms (itching, redness, swelling, etc.).

First generation drugs (Diphenhydramine, Tavegil, Diazolin) are also capable of influencing the functioning of histamine receptors, which may result in side effects such as drowsiness.

Allergy pills that do not cause drowsiness belong to the second and third generation drugs; they do not affect receptors, have fewer side effects, and such drugs should be taken once a day, unlike first generation drugs.

Mast cell membrane stabilizers are prescribed for prolonged allergic reactions - eczema, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis. The principle of action of such drugs is based on the destruction of the membrane of a certain type of leukocytes - basophils. As a result, when an allergen enters the body, the substance that causes allergy symptoms is not produced.

Corticosteroids are hormonal agents and are analogous to hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Such drugs have a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect and are prescribed in particularly severe cases.

The main disadvantage of such drugs is the large number of side effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Allergy pills that do not cause drowsiness belong to the second and third generation of drugs for this disease.

Second generation drugs (Loratadine, Claritin, Fenistil, Kestin) are not addictive, the effect after taking one tablet lasts for a long time, due to which you can take a smaller amount of the drug.

Most drugs in this group affect the heart rhythm; after taking them, the production of the substance that causes unpleasant allergy symptoms decreases.

Third generation drugs (Telfast, Cetirizine, Zodak, Fexofenadine, Cetrin, Erius) act exclusively on receptors exposed to allergens, without affecting other tissues, and therefore, such drugs have virtually no side effects.

Today, these drugs are the safest, do not cause drowsiness, do not affect the cardiovascular system, attention, reaction speed and coordination of movements, in addition, due to the lasting effect, they can be taken several times a week.

The half-life ranges from 3 to 30 hours, depending on the active substance and mechanism of action, with most excreted in the urine.

Method of administration and dosage

These medications are usually taken one per day. It is recommended to take the tablets at the same time each day, without chewing.

Use during pregnancy

During pregnancy, almost all allergy medications are contraindicated. The decision on the need to take anti-allergy pills should be made only by a specialist, taking into account the woman's condition and the course of pregnancy.

Most tablets cause contraction of smooth muscles, which increases the likelihood of spontaneous miscarriage, and may also have a negative effect on the fetus (stopped weight gain, developmental abnormalities, etc.).

Allergy pills that do not cause drowsiness and are approved for use during pregnancy: loratadine, cetrin.

These drugs belong to the second generation of antihistamines and are taken one tablet per day.

Contraindications for use

Second and third generation non-drowsy allergy tablets (Cetrin, Loratadine, Fenistil, Zyrtec, Erius, Zodak, etc.) should not be taken in case of hypersensitivity to the main component of the drug, by pregnant and breastfeeding women, or in case of renal failure.

For children under two years of age, drugs in the form of syrups or suspensions are usually used.

Side effects

Allergy pills that do not cause drowsiness can cause dry mouth, headaches, discomfort in the digestive system, increased gas formation, vomiting (in rare cases).

Overdose

Allergy pills that do not cause drowsiness in high doses can cause increased side effects (headaches, vomiting, indigestion) and also affect the heart rate.

Interactions with other drugs

Non-drowsy allergy tablets showed virtually no significant interactions with other drugs in clinical trials.

When loratadine or its analogues (active ingredient loratadine) are taken simultaneously with erythromycin, ketoconazole, cimetidine, an increase in loratadine in the blood is observed.

Cetirizine and its analogues (Zyrtec, Zodak, Cetrin, Allertek, etc.) are prescribed with caution simultaneously with sedatives.

Storage conditions

Allergy tablets that do not cause drowsiness should be stored in a dry, dark place, away from small children. The storage temperature should not exceed 300C.

Best before date

These drugs are valid for 2 to 5 years (depending on the drug).

Allergy pills that do not cause drowsiness are the latest antihistamines that very rarely cause side effects. The advantage of these drugs is that they begin to act quite quickly (15-20 minutes after taking) and the effect of one pill lasts for 24 hours, i.e. you only need to take it once a day.