What is a good Antihistamine ?

[susanep]

Do any of you folks know of a good antihistamine for allergies(itchy eyes and nose, and sneezing) that is over the counter, but not the ones that are more expensive like Allegra, Zyrtec, over the counter.

Thanks
susanep   

[Linda196]

I think most of the brand name ones ( maybe not newer ones you mentioned) have "store brand" generic counterparts which would be less expensive, you could ask your pharmacist, or look at the generic name of the drug on the brand name package then find it in the store brands. As an example, Claritin is also called Loratadine and Benedryl is diphenhydramine

Remember, most if not all antihistamines contribute to dryness, so it might be best to use them sparingly, at least until you see how you react.

[mshistory]

I think Allegra is the only one that isn't generic yet, but I may be mistaken. We use the generic Zyrtec (ceterizine). Some people respond better to different anti-histamines, so it may take some experimenting to find one that works well for you.

Sharyn

[Pegasus47]

They have generic brands of Claritin and Zyrtec that are priced more reasonable.  They work for me - I take 2 pills per day. 

Pegasus

[newhorizons]

 (Loratadine 10 mg)Brand name: Alavert.

[jazzlover]

Walgreen's has a cheap Zyrtec generic. Buy the largest bottle.
That said, I no longer take antihistamines. They make me too dry!!!!

[Joe S.]

I try to avoid antihistamines and allergy triggers because of my dryness.

[Shade]

I use Chlor-Trimeton 4-hour allergy relief.  They also make a 12-hour if you need longer. 

I don't really get nasal congestion anymore, so if I need something it would be for itchy eyes.  One 4-hour pill does the trick for me and is not as drying as having to take a long-acting pill.   

It's generic is chlorpheniramine.  Walgreen's brand is Wal-Finate.

[susanep]

Thanks, I will check some of these out. I like the sound of the Zyrtec. Oh my husband just found an add at Walgreens for the larger bottle, and it comes out so much cheaper, and yes it is the generic.

Thanks so much, this will help us both out a lot. It dries me more too, but I have such allergies that I need something.

susanep 

[Doxie]

I use the Claritin D generic. Recently, my insurance would no longer pay for the antihistamine/decongestant.  My Rheumie just recently told me to try to get off the decongestant as it's even more frying than the antihistamine. I'm going to try - again. Every time I do I get the stuffy feeling headaches.

My all time favorite that worked the best for my was Zyrtec, or Zyrtec D. However, it made me too drowsy. Which is good to help the sleep, but made me too drowsy the next day. I still take it every once in a while at night.

Try the Zyrtec, but I wouldn't get too many until you make sure it doesn't make you drowsy. It is one of the possible side effects more than Claritin and Allegra.  Good luck!