Allergic diseases have recently become one of the most common problems of urban residents. Moreover, not only adults but also children suffer from them. Allergies can be to dust, animal hair, pollen, household chemicals, medicines. And despite the fact that many do not consider this a serious problem, it can permanently deprive a person of working capacity. And severe cases of an allergic reaction without timely assistance can cause death. Therefore, most people must have at least one antihistamine in their medicine cabinet. Many are prescribed by a doctor, while others buy what is cheaper. At the same time, drugs such as Tavegil or Suprastin are most popular.
Antihistamines
Allergy is a reaction of the body to irritating substances. They enter the respiratory tract, the skin, or the digestive tract. These substances are perceived by the body as foreign, which leads to the release of histamine. It is these protein compounds that provoke allergic reactions. The release of histamine leads to redness of the skin, the development of edema, itching, lacrimation and inflammation of the mucous membranes.
To prevent the development of these reactions, anti-allergic drugs are used. They prevent the binding of histamine to cells, due to which all manifestations of allergies cease. Now there are several generations of such drugs.
- The first generation includes Diphenhydramine, Diazolin, Fenkarol, Tavegil or Suprastin. They are inexpensive and effective, but can cause drowsiness and other side effects. Their advantages, in addition to low prices, include the presence of a sedative, antiemetic and mild analgesic effect.
- Second-generation drugs include drugs based on loratadine and cetirizine. These drugs have a longer effect and do not cause drowsiness. Doctors have recently prescribed them.
- The third generation of antihistamines includes Telfast, Fexadin, Erius. They are not toxic and do not cause drowsiness.
Indications for use
Both of the drugs in question are antihistamines. They effectively relieve the symptoms of allergies, but do not affect its cause, so they can not help in severe cases. Mostly prescribed "Tavegil" or "Suprastin" with a mild allergy or as part of a comprehensive treatment. Indications for their use are such pathologies:
- seasonal allergic rhinitis;
- atopic dermatitis;
- acute non-infectious conjunctivitis;
- hay fever;
- contact dermatitis;
- simple lichen;
- urticaria, skin itching;
- angioedema;
- allergic reaction to medication.
Characteristic "Suprastin"
This drug is more popular as its price is slightly lower than that of Tavegil. A package with 20 tablets costs 120-150 rubles. Although you need to take it 3-4 times a day, it is still cheaper. In addition, Suprastin is notable for its low toxicity and goes well with other drugs. Although a side effect in the form of drowsiness is considered a drawback, sometimes such a sedative effect even helps the patient. This product is produced in Russia, it is not used abroad. This is exactly what distinguishes Suprastin from Tavegil.
This drug can be prescribed to children from 1 month. Often it is prescribed for chickenpox to relieve excruciating itching, and even before vaccination to prevent an allergic reaction. It is effective in eczema, laryngitis, dermatitis and psoriasis. Usually, it is prescribed as part of complex therapy, even to those patients who have not had allergic reactions before, when taking antibiotics and other potent drugs.
Characteristic of Tavegil
This drug is produced in Hungary, it is widely distributed in Western countries. This is an effective antihistamine that best removes skin manifestations of allergies, such as itching. Its action lasts almost 2 times longer than that of Suprastin, therefore, it should be drunk less often. Tavegil costs 200-250 rubles per package. She is enough for a course of treatment.
This drug is usually prescribed for adults and children over a year of age with dermatitis, eczema, allergic rhinitis, hay fever. Effective "Tavegil" with insect bites. It quickly eliminates swelling and itching. Assign it to prevent negative reactions when it is necessary to take antibacterial drugs. The action of Tavegil lasts 8-12 hours, so it is taken twice a day. Moreover, unlike Suprastin, it does not cause severe drowsiness.
Difference between drugs
These antihistamines are equally popular, as they belong to the middle price category, therefore, are available to every patient. Many people think that they are interchangeable, although this is not entirely true. Only a doctor can decide which medicine is best suited in each case. But some patients who periodically have allergy attacks can alternate Tavegil or Suprastin. The difference between the drugs at first glance is insignificant, although in fact there are quite a lot of differences.
- First of all, it is an active substance. Suprastin is based on chloropyramine, and Tavegil is clemastine.
- "Suprastin" begins to act almost immediately, so it can be used to stop the acute manifestations of allergies.
- "Tavegil" almost does not cause drowsiness.
- Children under one year of age can only take Suprastin.
- The action of "Tavegil" lasts up to 12 hours, so it is better suited for stopping bouts of hay fever or seasonal rhinitis. It should be drunk only 2 times a day.
Which is better: Tavegil or Suprastin
For mild allergies, any of these drugs can be used. They well relieve itching, swelling of the mucous membranes, runny nose. Only children should give Suprastin, as it is less toxic. In severe cases (for example, with anaphylactic shock or angioedema) it also does not matter which drug to use, the main thing is that they must be administered intramuscularly or intravenously.
One cannot definitely say what is stronger - “Suprastin” or “Tavegil”. Their effect depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the severity of his condition. The drugs have the same effect on the body, have the same contraindications and side effects. They can cause nausea, indigestion, headache, weakness.
What is better for children
"Suprastin" or "Tavegil" will appoint a doctor for the child in the presence of allergic reactions or to prevent them while taking antibiotics, as well as before vaccination. Both of them begin to act quickly and rarely cause side effects. These drugs relieve itchy skin, stop a runny nose, and remove swelling.
What should a child choose - Tavegil or Suprastin? This can only be determined by a doctor. There are slight differences in the features of their action and contraindications. For example, a baby up to one year old will be prescribed Suprastin, and at an older age, Tavegil. With pruritus or insect bites, Tavegil is also more effective, and with rhinitis, conjunctivitis or dermatitis, Suprastin.
How to choose a drug for treatment
Despite the fact that both drugs are available and are well tolerated, you can not take them without consulting a doctor. Only a specialist can determine which tool is best to choose. It will take into account the severity of the patient's condition, the presence of chronic diseases, age. After all, it is not always possible to take antihistamines. Contraindications to the use of both drugs include:
- severe renal failure;
- lactation and pregnancy;
- an attack of bronchial asthma;
- individual intolerance.
But in serious situations, prolonged use of antihistamines is sometimes required. "Tavegil" or "Suprastin" to choose in this case? This can only be decided by a doctor. Often both remedies are prescribed. After all, you can not take them for more than a week, as addiction develops. Therefore, in such cases, it is recommended to alternate these drugs. If neither Tavegil nor Suprastin approached, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines of the second or third generation: Zirtek, Fenistil, Loratadin, Claritin.