Often times, even basically healthy seniors take a number of
medications for a variety of reasons, including everything from heart
disease to vision problems. Finding medications that work
together without causing serious risk to the patient can be a daunting
task. That’s why controlling simple allergies may become a
complex problem and careful consideration should be given to particular
drugs.
Antihistamines are the family of drugs most often used to treat
allergies affecting individuals of all ages, including young
children.
This category of drugs, first developed more than half
a century ago, is currently divided into two divisions, according to
the era in which they were developed and approved.
So-called first generation antihistamines have appeared to cause a
number of problems when prescribed to elderly adults, though these
symptoms are sometimes exhibited in the younger population as
well. They include reduced mental alertness or confusion,
anxiety, blurred vision, sedation, and constipation. In addition,
anti-depressants that are described for thousands upon thousands of
seniors worsen the side effects of first generation antihistamines.
Second generation antihistamines are the better bet for seniors with
allergies. These drugs work differently than the first generation
variety, causing fewer side affects because they do not cross what
doctors refer to as the “blood-brain barrier” as readily as the
others. Second generation antihistamines include those which have
become common household names such as Allegra, Clarinex, Claritin, and
Zyrtec.
Seniors with allergies should work closely with their doctor in
determining which drugs are safe for consumption and should always
consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter
allergy medications.
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