Antihistamines are a class of drugs used to treat symptoms caused by allergies, such as urticaria or allergic rhinitis. As the name implies, this drug helps treat conditions caused by too much histamine, a chemical made by the immune system. Antihistamines are most often used in people who have allergic reactions to allergens. It is also used to treat various other conditions such as stomach problems, colds, and anxiety disorders.
Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic, Antihistamines work by inhibiting the work and the amount of histamine in the body. With this, the allergy symptoms are expected to subside. However, antihistamines cannot cure allergies.
Antihistamines are divided into three types, namely the first, second, and third generation. First generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Meanwhile, the second and third generations do not pass through the lining of the brain, so they rarely cause drowsiness.
Here are the dosages, side effects, and directions for taking antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms.
Antihistamines Dosage by Type
First Generation Antihistamines
1. Chlorpheniramine
- Adults and children over 12 years: 4 mg, every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose is 24 mg per day.
- Children 6-12 years: 2 mg, every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose 12 mg per day
- Children 2-5 years: 1 mg every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose 6 mg per day
- Children 1-2 years: 1 mg, 2 times daily. Maximum dose 4 mg per day
2. Cyproheptadine
- Adult: Initially 4 mg, 3-4 times daily. The maintenance dose is 4-20 mg per day. Maximum dose 32 mg per day
- Children 2-6 years: 2 mg, 2-3 times a day. Maximum dose 12 mg per day
- Children 7-14 years: 4 mg, 2-3 times a day. Maximum dose 16 mg per day
3. Ketotifen
- Adults and children over 3 years: 1 mg dose, twice daily. If needed, the dose can be increased to 2 mg, every 2 times a day
4. Promethazine
- Adults: 25 mg dose, taken at night. The dose can be increased to 25 mg, every 2 times a day.
- Children aged 2-5 years: Dosage 5-15 mg per day, taken every 1-2 times a day
- Children aged 5-10 years: Dosage 10-25 mg per day, taken every 1-2 times a day
5. Triprolidine
- Adults: 2.5 mg every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose 10 mg per day
- Children 4 months to 2 years: Dose 0.313 mg, every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose 1.252 mg per day
- Children 2-4 years: 0.625 mg every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose 2.5 mg per day
- Children 4-5 years: 0.938 mg every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose 3.744 mg per day
- Children 6-11 years: 1.25 mg every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose 5 mg per day
6. Brompheniramine
- Adults: 4 mg, every 4-6 hours
- Children 6-12 years: 2 mg, every 4-6 hours
7. Hydroxyzine
- Adults: 25 mg every 3-4 times a day
- Children under 6 years: 50 mg daily, divided into 4 doses
- Children over 6 years: 50-100 mg daily, divided into 4 doses
Second Generation Antihistamines
1. Cetirizine
- Adults and children over 12 years: 10 mg once daily
- Children aged 6-12 years: 5 mg dose, 2 times a day
- Children 2-6 years: 2.5 mg, 2 times a day
2. Loratadine
- Adults and children over 12 years: Dosage 10 mg, once daily or 5 mg, twice daily
- Children aged 2-12 years weighing over 30 kg: Dosage 10 mg, once a day
- Children aged 2-12 years with body weight above 30 kg: 5 mg dose, once a day
3. Levocetirizine
- Adults: 2.5-5 mg once daily
- Children 6 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg once daily
- Children 6-11 years: 2.5 mg once daily
4. Astemizole
- Adults: 10 mg once daily
- Children aged 6-12 years: 5 mg dose, once a day
Third Generation Antihistamines
1. Fexofenadine
- Adults and children over 12 years: 120 mg per day divided into 1-2 times, or 180 mg once daily
- Children aged 2-11 years: Dosage 30 mg every 2 times a day
2. Desloratadine
- Adults: 5 mg once daily
- Children 6-11 months: 1 mg once daily
- Children 1-5 years: 1.25 mg once daily
- Children 6-11 years: 2.5 mg once daily
Side Effects of Antihistamines
The use of antihistamines can cause side effects such as the following:
- Agitation
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Stomach ache
- Difficult to defecate
First-generation antihistamines if taken in excess can cause more serious side effects, such as loss of consciousness to delirium. If these side effects do not improve or get worse, consult a doctor immediately.
Rules for Use of Antihistamines
When using antihistamines, follow the instructions from your doctor or read the directions for use on the package label. Do not drive a vehicle or perform strenuous activities while taking antihistamines as they can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not consume alcoholic beverages while using this drug, as it can cause side effects.
Immediately consult a doctor if there are side effects that do not improve, allergic reactions, to overdose when using Antihistamines.
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