What it means
An antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors outside the brain, so it relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and hives without the sleepiness of older antihistamines. It is sold over the counter.
For the nurse
Teach the client to take it with water, not fruit juice (grapefruit, orange or apple), which lowers how much is absorbed, and not within 15 minutes of antacids containing aluminum or magnesium.
At a glance
| Drug class | antihistamine (second generation) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Allegra, Allegra Allergy |
| Also written | Allegra, Allegra Allergy |
Related terms
allergy
A reaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.
AR
An abbreviation with more than one meaning, most often aortic regurgitation or allergic rhinitis; the setting shows which.
dimenhydrinate
An antihistamine taken to prevent and treat motion sickness, nausea and vertigo.
cromolyn
A mast cell stabilizer: a drug that stops certain immune cells from releasing histamine, used to prevent allergy symptoms.