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Antihistamines for Allergic Rhinitis
Older (first-generation) over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| acrivastine | Semprex-D (prescription) |
| brompheniramine maleate | |
| chlorpheniramine maleate | Chlor-Trimeton (otc) |
| clemastine fumarate | Tavist-1 (prescription) |
| diphenhydramine hydrochloride | Benadryl (otc) |
| hydroxyzine hydrochloride | Vistaril (prescription) |
| promethazine hydrochloride |
Newer (second-generation) over-the-counter antihistamines
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| cetirizine hydrochloride | Zyrtec (prescription) |
| loratadine | Alavert (prescription), Claritin (prescription) |
Newer (second-generation) prescription antihistamines
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| azelastine | Astelin (prescription) |
| desloratadine | Clarinex (prescription) |
| fexofenadine hydrochloride | Allegra (prescription) |
| levocetirizine | Xyzal (prescription) |
| olopatadine | Patanase (prescription) |
Antihistamines may be available as tablets, capsules, nasal sprays, or liquids. You can use them alone or combined with decongestants to treat allergic rhinitis.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 4, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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