Allergic Disorders Medication Treatments and Side Effects

Drug therapies for allergic disorders are complex considering all the different types of allergens. The treatment and medications involved with treating allergy disorders ranges depending on the type of allergic condition and the symptoms reported.

Antihistamines are a common treatment option for many different types of allergic disorders. There are many different types of antihistamines including Benadryl, which would have to be my favorite and the one most often recommended by medical professionals. Other antihistamines include Allegra, Atarax, Claritin and Zyrtec.

Antihistamines block histamine receptors and the side effects include sedation, drying of mucus membranes and in rare cases heart dysrhythmias. It is advisable that you should not drive or operate heavy machinery, if you have been taking antihistamines.

Nasal decongestants are another commonly given treatment for many types of allergic disorders. Nasal decongestants include Nasalide and over the counter (OTC) Afrin. Nasal decongestants vasoconstrict the nasal membranes. Side effects commonly include headache, nasal burning, nasal congestion, sneezing, epistaxis and in some cases of chronic usage rebound nasal congestion. Nasal decongestants can provide relief in some instances but they should not be used on a long term basis and should only be used sparingly.

Nasal steroid sprays are also used in treating many allergic disorders. Common nasal steroid sprays include Beconase, Flonase and Flovent. The steroid sprays act as an anti-inflammatory and their side effects include headache, nasal irritations and flu-like symptoms. Steroid spray may have to be given over several weeks to maximize any allergic disorder benefit and typically you should warn patients that they can cause throat irritations and in some cases fungal infections. As well as patients should be warned about the flu-like reactions.

Oral corticosteroids are often given for allergic disorders as well as many sinus conditions. Oral corticosteroids include Decadron and Medrol, which is commonly given in a dosepak that should be taken as prescribed. Corticosteroids regulate an immune response and control inflammatory conditions. Side effects for corticosteroids include gastrointestinal problems, weight gain, insomnia and hyperglycemia. Anyone taking corticosteroids should taper off the medication once it is discontinued, take the medication with food and monitor sugar levels if they have any sugar problems.

Oral decongestant medications are also often prescribed for allergic disorders. Oral decongestants include Sudafed, Proventil, Alupent and many others. Decongestants vasoconstrict nasal membranes and cause side effects such as anxiety, palpitations, headaches, tremors and hypertension. Caution taking oral decongestants if you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or many other conditions. Avoid taking before bedtime and make sure it is not going to adversely react with any of your other medications before taking.

Never take any oral medications OTC, unless you check with your physician about any adverse reactions OTC medications may have on your already prescribed medications.

Bronchodilating inhalants include Primatene Mist. Bronchodialators like inhalants can be deadly if not handled and used properly. These type of medications stimulate adrenergic receptors or block cholinergic receptors. They typically cause tremors, euphoria, palpitations, hypertension, dysrhythmias and headaches. These types of medications should only be taken under the advise of your physician and anyone taking these kinds of medications should be monitored carefully for blood pressure changes and heart rate changes.

Oral sympathomimetic agents include Adrenlin, Theo-dur and Aminophyllin. These type medications react on beta or alpha receptors and cause everything from headaches to hypertension. Including causing increased urination and gastric secretions. These types of oral sympathomimetics should be used cautiously in patients with gastritis, ulcers, congestive heart failure and seizure problems. Vital signs should be monitored carefully on these types of medications and medications such as these should always be taken with food.

Leukotriene antagonists like Singulair are now widely being given as treatment for allergic conditions. These types of medications essentially block receptors for slow reacting substances of anaphylaxis. They can cause headaches, nausea, abdominal problems, flu-like symptoms and even in some cases fatigue. People who take Singulair on a regular basis should watch for any infection problems and take the medication on an empty stomach to best maximize the effect.

While having been a nurse for many years it is difficult to comment on allergic disorders considering what works on some people, may not have any effect on others. Allergic disorders are so vast and have so many twists and turns that for many people they are more of a pain than they are worth and cause havoc on their ability to function normally. However with a good amount of persistence the right medication can be found to provide effective relief. In some cases one of the best things a patient can do is to start a diary of allergic symptoms, dates, times and what was happening when the condition started and if it subsided with or without intervention. Logging information like this can be helpful in finding what best works for you and what best medication can help control the allergic episodes in frequency and severity.

References for this article include: kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/immune.html
my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/allergies/pul_overview.aspx
www.health.am/allergies/more/new-strategy-for-treating-allergic-disorders/
cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/549530