Anti-histamines are conventionally used medicine for many allergic conditions such as urticaria, hay fever, colds, etc. They are often available over the counter (OTC). As the name suggests, they are targeted against histamine. Histamine is often an end product of allergic reaction in our body, which leads to allergic rash such as urticaria. Antihistamines block the effect of histamine, whereby the symptoms are suppressed, not cured. Actually, histamine is a part of our natural defense mechanism. Histamine release, per se, is not bad. The allergens and the hypersensitive state are to be treated.

Antihistamines are good for superficial control of the symptoms. However, they do not cure urticaria, especially chronic urticaria.

Some of the common adverse effects of antihistamines are listed here for reader’s reference:
a. Sleepiness or drowsiness
b. Dullness of senses.
c. Giddiness
d. Headache
e. Loss of appetite
f. Blurring of vision
g. Dryness of mouth, nose and throat
h. Difficulty in passing urine
i. Nausea and / or vomiting
j. feeling sick or vomiting
k. Constipation or loose stools

l. Stomach upsets
m. Irritability