Many first-aid kits have medicines, whose purpose, as well as the mechanism of action, people do not understand. Antihistamine drops are referred to as such drugs. Most allergy sufferers select medicines on their own, calculate the dosage and course of treatment without consulting a specialist, which, of course, is wrong.
What are antihistamines for?
Many people believe that these are simple allergy medications, but they are intended for therapy and other diseases. Antihistamine drops belong to the group of medicines that block the immune response to certain external stimuli. They include not only allergens, but also viruses along with fungi and bacteria (infectious agents), toxins. The drugs in question prevent the appearance of bronchial spasms, swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, redness, and so on. In addition, such drugs relieve a person of itching, narrowing of blood vessels and muscle spasm.
How do antihistamines in drops work?
Mechanism of action
The main protective role in the body is played, as a rule, by white blood cells with white blood cells. There are several types. For example, one of the most important is, first of all, mast cells. After the ripening stage, they circulate through the bloodstream, lining up in the connective tissue and becoming a certain part of the immune system. When dangerous substances enter the body, histamine is released by such cells. It is a chemical element necessary for the regulation of the digestive process, blood circulation and oxygen metabolism. Its excess leads to an allergic reaction.
In order for histamine to provoke negative symptoms, it must be absorbed by the body without fail. For this, there are special receptors called H1, they are located in the inner membranes of blood vessels, and, in addition, in the nervous system and smooth muscle cells. So, how do antihistamine drops work? The fact is that the active ingredients of these drugs seem to deceive the H1 receptors. Their structure and structure is very similar to the substance in question. Medicines compete with histamine and are absorbed by the receptors instead, without causing any allergic manifestations.
As a result, the chemical ingredient that provokes unwanted symptoms remains inactive in the blood and is later excreted naturally. Antihistamine effectiveness directly depends on how much “H1” receptors have managed to block the substance taken. For this reason, it is important to begin treatment immediately after the onset of the first symptoms of an allergy.
Overview
In this dosage form, local and, at the same time, systemic drugs are produced. Antihistamine drops intended for oral administration include Zirtek along with Desal, Fenistil, Zodak, Xizal, Parlazin, Zaditor, Allergonix and other analogues.
For antihistamine local drops for the nose, it is worthwhile to classify the funds in the form of “Tizina Allergy”, “Allergodil”, “Lecrolin”, “Cromohexal”, “Sanorin Analergina”, “Vibrocil” and others.
Anti-allergic drops in the eye are “Opatanol” along with “Zaditen”, “Allergodil”, “Lecrolin”, “Nafcon-A”, “Cromohexal”, “Vizin”, “Okumetil” and other synonyms.
Treatment of eye allergy
Such antihistamine drops, being a local treatment, are very effective, and at the same time, they have a rapid effect, since they are able to deliver the drug directly to the area of inflammation. According to the principle of exposure, they are divided into several of the following types: vasoconstrictive, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, moisturizing and steroidal anti-inflammatory.
Each case of allergy is different in its features, and in this regard, the choice of a certain category of medicines is the prerogative of the doctor. Against the background of the occurrence of inflammatory processes that are associated with the eyes, it is better to consult an ophthalmologist.
It will be useful for any patient to learn about the effect of antihistamines in eye drops, what contraindications they have and side effects. Drugs of various classes can be used individually, or jointly. However, many products in their composition have several ingredients with different effects.
In particular, it is necessary to carefully select drugs that are intended for the treatment of children. There are no special versions of anti-allergenic drops that would be suitable only for children, in this regard, you need to look in the manual to find out at what age it is safe to use the medicine. In addition, not all allergy medications are allowed for pregnant and lactating women.
Eye drops
The components that are part of this type of medication are characterized by antihistamine activity. And this means that they block the effect on the body of a special type of substance, that is, histamines. It is these ingredients that are responsible for the most unpleasant symptoms associated with allergies. There are two types of drugs of this kind. Some in the tissue block the histamine H1 receptors, while others do not allow histamines to exit the mast cells to the outside where they form. The most popular drugs of this type are Allergodil along with Cromohexal, Opatanol, Lecrolin, Spersallerg, Allomid and others.
Separately, it is worth considering the drug Allergodil. This is an anti-allergic medicine in the form of eye drops. The mechanism of its effect is based on the blocking of H1-histamine receptors. The active substance is azelastine, which has a prolonged anti-allergic effect.
Indications for use are prophylaxis with treatment of an allergic condition (non-seasonal and seasonal conjunctivitis). Contraindication is considered to be up to four years of age and the initial trimester of pregnancy. Apply the drug one drop in each eye twice a day in the morning and evening. If necessary, the frequency of use can be increased up to four times.
Antihistamine eye drops very well eliminate allergic reactions that occur with irritation of the visual organs. But we must remember that such remedies do not eliminate the cause itself, they only struggle with its symptoms. Such substances can cause side effects, in this regard, before use, it is best to consult with a physician who will select the dosage and frequency of use of the medication.
Antihistamine drops for children from a year will be considered below.
Burial rules
First of all, the indicated dosages should be adhered to. It is impossible without the permission of the doctor to independently change the amount of the drug or interrupt the therapy. In the event that the patient uses contact lenses, then immediately before instillation they need to be removed. They are inserted back ten minutes after the procedure. Some drops need to be stored in the refrigerator, it is important to understand this moment by reading the instructions for the tool.
Before the procedure, you need to wash your hands thoroughly, and then rinse your eyes, removing moisture from the eyelids with a dry towel. In the event that the substance was contained in the refrigerator, then immediately before instillation it will be necessary to warm it to room temperature.
They must be buried exclusively in a supine position or with your head thrown back. Taking the bottle, you need to turn it upside down, and with the opposite hand the eyelid is pulled and you need to look up. Next, squeeze out one drop without touching the bottle with the eye, so that it could get into the space between the eyeball and the eyelid. Upon completion of the procedure, you need to close your eye and massage the eyelid a bit, however, it is forbidden to squint or rub the visual organ with all its might.
Antihistamine drops for children up to 1 year old
Allergic reactions occur sooner or later in each baby, and the crumbs experience in this connection multiple symptoms. But, nevertheless, the secretion of the nasal passage along with lacrimation, redness, a variety of edema and a rash make parents spend sleepless nights. It is worth emphasizing that the above signs are not at all the most dangerous, which cannot be said about a bee sting that causes severe swelling and is fraught with asphyxia.
In order to reduce the effect of allergens on the body of newborn babies, you can use antihistamine drops for children. In the event that the disease occurs during a period when there is no opportunity to call a doctor, then first-aid drugs are sedative or sedative in nature. Among the most common children's antihistamine drops is “Suprastin”, which is the safest for all infants. In addition, Fenistil is considered very effective, but not safe enough. It is allowed to use antihistamine drops for children from the birth of Fenkoral.
A good solution in the fight against allergic manifestations in newborns and children up to a year is the presence in the home medicine cabinet of various herbal drops with calendula and chamomile. Among other things, it is recommended to use Furacilin for newborns, but only if conjunctivitis of the eye is detected in the baby.
Antihistamine drops for infants should be used with great care.
Drops and sprays: names
Now consider the most popular and effective sprays and drops for allergies:
- One of them is Okumetil. This is, first of all, vasoconstrictive drops, reducing swelling with redness of the eyes, and also eliminating other symptoms. According to the manual, constant use leads to fairly quick addiction. The fact is that after withdrawal, symptoms may occur again.
- Cromohexal is an antihistamine eye drops suitable for the treatment and prevention of chronic pathologies (for example, keratoconjunctivitis). The main active ingredient in this case is cromoglicic acid, which inhibits the appearance of certain allergic reactions and prevents their subsequent development. This drug eliminates dryness and irritation, it is very effective in case of fatigue and eye strain.
- An agent called "Allergodil" is used to stop the main manifestations of an allergic ocular reaction. According to the instructions, this medication has a long, and at the same time, very powerful antihistamine effect. Among other things, the medicine is well tolerated, without causing effects, even with prolonged treatment.
- Drops with the antihistamine effect "Vizin" eliminate the symptoms of allergies ten minutes after treatment. The effect, as a rule, remains at the same level for twelve hours. "Vizin" is a safe medication that eliminates the main symptoms of the disease and minimizes the risks of certain side effects.
- The drug "Opatanol" acts as an antihistamine that alleviates the symptoms of allergies. Its effect is based on the process of suppressing the release of biological active substances that provoke the development of foci of inflammation.
Antihistamine nasal drops and sprays can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Tizin Allergy
It is a means of a new generation of Israeli production, based on levocabastine.
The active substance is a blocker of H1-histamine receptors. They inhibit the production of histamine and other mediators of allergy, and the sensitivity of body cells to them decreases.
Quickly relieves allergic rhinitis - secretions, itching, nasal congestion, sneezing. Do not use in children under 6 years.
Nazaval
It is a metered-dose nasal allergy spray. The active substance is micropowder of cellulose, of plant origin.
When injected, a gel protective coating forms on the surface of the mucous membranes, which prevents the occurrence of a reaction after inhalation of air with allergens.
Best medicine
The selection of funds from the described category should be carried out exclusively by a specialist. First-generation drugs are best suited for some people due to the need for sedation; other people do not need this effect at all. Similarly, doctors recommend a release form depending on the symptoms. Systemic drugs are prescribed for severe manifestations of the disease, in other situations you can get by with local means.
How long can patients take antihistamine drops for children and adults?
The duration of therapy depends on the generation of medicines and the severity of pathological symptoms. How long a person should be treated with antihistamines, the doctor must decide. Some drops can be applied no more than six to seven days. Modern pharmacological agents belonging to the last generation are less toxic, therefore their use is allowed for one year. Before taking an appointment, it is extremely important to consult a doctor. Antihistamines can accumulate in the body, causing poisoning. Some patients are subsequently allergic to these medications.
How often can I take?
Most manufacturers of the described drugs produce such drugs in a convenient dosage, which involves the use of once a day. The question of how to use antihistamines, depending on the regularity of the occurrence of a negative clinical manifestation, is decided with the doctor. The presented category of medicines is referred to symptomatic methods of therapy. They must be used whenever signs of the disease occur each time.
New antihistamines can be used as prophylaxis. In the event that contact with the allergen cannot be avoided (we are talking about poplar fluff, ragweed flowering, and more), you should use the medicine in advance. The preliminary use of antihistamines will not only mitigate the negative symptoms, but exclude its appearance. H1 will be completely blocked by this moment, when the immune system starts to launch a protective reaction.
We examined antihistamines in drops for children and adults.