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2006-11-25 03:42:47 · 6 answers · asked by PAT43 1 in Health Diseases & Conditions Allergies

6 answers

Many antihistamines, however, cause drowsiness, so when combined with the sedating effects of alcohol, feelings of drowsiness are magnified. Recently, scientists have developed antihistamines, such as loratidine and certrizine, that cause less drowsiness than their predecessors. However, people who use these non-drowsy antihistamines need to be aware of possible incidents of low blood pressure and physical falls among the elderly. Keeping this in mind, one may want to refrain from or limit any alcohol use while taking antihistamines.
Alcohol changes how medications, including antihistamines, become accessible to the human body. For example, if a person takes an antihistamine while drinking one to several alcoholic drinks over the course of four to five hours (acute drinking), the same metabolizing enzymes that process the antihistamine will attempt to metabolize the alcohol, as well. This exchange could reduce the progression of antihistamines being absorbed into the bloodstream, making the antihistamine less effective. On the other end of the spectrum, long-term drinkers may constantly activate the same enzymes used to metabolize antihistamines that also process alcohol. A chronic drinker, in this case, could develop a tolerance to antihistamines, and it would take more of the antihistamines to be effective.

Most warning labels on antihistamines state not to take them if one imbibes more than three alcoholic drinks daily. Having said this, there is no available research stating exactly how long one needs to avoid alcohol after taking an antihistamine or vice-versa. User information warns about respiratory arrest and death caused by an overdose of antihistamines. Warning labels on antihistamines also caution against the possibility of toxic chemical build-up in the liver as a result of the chemical by-products from mixing antihistamines and alcohol.

Similarly, it is important not only not to drive when you drink alcohol, but also not to drive or expect your body to respond with quick reflexes if you drink and use antihistamines.

To be safe, it's healthier and less risky not to mix antihistamines and alcohol. Interactions of alcohol and medications are estimated to be involved in possibly at least 25 percent of emergency room admissions.

It's in your best interest to discuss your concerns with your prescribing medical provider.

2006-11-25 04:50:11 · answer #1 · answered by BD 2 · 0 0

Alcohol reduces the effectiveness of allergy medicines.

2006-11-25 03:44:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

You should check the box/bottle the meds came in. Alot of them say not to take them with alcohol.

2006-11-25 09:36:29 · answer #3 · answered by May 3 · 0 0

As they each tend to make people mentally feeble, the combination often makes people even more stupid . . .
avoid the combination unless you are not leaving the house and will NOT be using the stove, smoking cigarettes, lighting candles (OK, any source of fire - AVOID), avoid mechanical & electrical equipment, avoid any $$ transactions or business decisions and especailly avoid any social activites other than family who might forgive bad behavior.

2006-11-25 03:55:05 · answer #4 · answered by kate 7 · 0 0

Read your meds label. You may not be able to consume alcohol while taking them.

2006-11-25 03:46:31 · answer #5 · answered by Ralph T 7 · 0 0

many people will have trouble with antihistamines and alcohol together...potentiate the sleepy effect.

2006-11-25 03:45:51 · answer #6 · answered by David B 6 · 0 0

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