Anyone in the U.S. who regularly watches television is familiar with the wide array of antihistamine medications promoted through countless commercial advertisements. Sometimes these promos are such that one isn't sure as to the nature of the product being promoted, while others spell it out pretty clearly. Antihistamine sales are big business all over the world and provide great relief to those suffering from conditions for which antihistamine medications are prescribed. An antihistamine may be obtained either through a doctor's prescription or in non-prescription, over-the-counter formulations.
An antihistamine product is most commonly used by allergy sufferers, although the effectiveness of antihistamines for other conditions is also well known and documented. People suffering from serious allergies to environmental contaminants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, etc., find the use of an antihistamine, sometimes on a daily basis, to be critical to leading a normal life. Without their regular dose of antihistamine medication they fall victim to a variety of symptoms that can often feel intolerable. These symptoms, which an antihistamine tablet or capsule can relieve temporarily, may include itchy skin, runny nose, watery eyes, rash, swelling, breathing difficulties, wheezing, and a scratchy throat.
Chlorpheniramine
Chlorpheniramine (KLOOR fen EAR a mean), also known as Chlorpheniramine Maleate, is the active ingredient in several antihistamine medications and is marketed under many different names or brands. Deconamine, one of the more popular antihistamine formulas, is a combination or two ingredients: chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (decongestant). Another popular and widely-sold brand name is Chlor-Trimeton. There are many others.
An antihistamine, more properly referred to as a histamine antagonist, works to counteract the body's natural production of excess histamines during a bout with any invading substance capable of causing an allergic reaction. When someone suffers an allergic reaction, whether this is caused by dust or pollen, certain foods, insect bites or bee stings (to name a few), his body releases a defense in the form of histamines to combat the perceived invaders. These histamines promote vascular permeability, allowing excess fluids to escape from the capillaries into the surrounding tissues. This is the cause of frequent swelling (edema), watery eyes and a runny nose, so common to those with allergies.
Allergy Relief
By taking an antihistamine, these symptoms can be significantly reduced, at least temporarily, because this drug acts as a histamine blocker; thus, the common name 'antihistamine'. Relief is temporary and most medications such as Chlor-Trimeton, Allegra, Benedryl, to name a few, suggest adults take a dose every 4-6 hours, not to exceed a certain daily maximum. Dosage for children under 12 years old is usually one half that recommended for adults.
Antihistamine medication can produce some side effects in certain people such as drowsiness, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and excitability. Chlorpheniramine has a fairly low incidence of causing side effects, however, at less than 10%.
Some should not take antihistamine medications in any form whether tablet, capsule, liquid spray or rub-on cream. This includes those using other medications such as MAO inhibitors or antidepressants.
