Antihistamine Cheaper Alternative?

[Kazarareta]

First off, sorry if my terms are off.

Is there a cheap alternative to antihistamine? I've been getting a lot of hives/allergies and it's really painful in the wallet dishing out 74.00 a pop. Is benadryl anti-allergy the same or does it have different properties?

[angelise]

First off, sorry if my terms are off.

Is there a cheap alternative to antihistamine? I've been getting a lot of hives/allergies and it's really painful in the wallet dishing out 74.00 a pop. Is benadryl anti-allergy the same or does it have different properties?

I think you have to see an allergologist to make things right for you.

[Les]

First off, sorry if my terms are off.

Is there a cheap alternative to antihistamine? I've been getting a lot of hives/allergies and it's really painful in the wallet dishing out 74.00 a pop. Is benadryl anti-allergy the same or does it have different properties?

I think what should concern you more is why you're getting repeated episdoes of hives/allergy. Antihistamines provide symptomatic relief but the root cause should always be investigated. Have you seen a dermatologist or allergy specialist? If you have a case of allergy to common substances that are difficult to avoid (dust mites, sheddings or feces from cockroaches, etc.) then you might have to undergo desensitization therapy to provide long-term relief.

Benadryl is the brand name of diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine. It's basically as effective as your more expensive second-generation antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, fexofenadine, etc.) but as most people know has the side effect of inducing sedation and drowsiness. Thus, it should never be used in situations requiring alertness, like operating heavy machinery, driving, etc. It also has other side-effects like dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision and dry mouth that are minimized or absent in 2nd-gen antihistamines.

[Kazarareta]

I think what should concern you more is why you're getting repeated episdoes of hives/allergy. Antihistamines provide symptomatic relief but the root cause should always be investigated. Have you seen a dermatologist or allergy specialist? If you have a case of allergy to common substances that are difficult to avoid (dust mites, sheddings or feces from cockroaches, etc.) then you might have to undergo desensitization therapy to provide long-term relief.

Benadryl is the brand name of diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine. It's basically as effective as your more expensive second-generation antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, fexofenadine, etc.) but as most people know has the side effect of inducing sedation and drowsiness. Thus, it should never be used in situations requiring alertness, like operating heavy machinery, driving, etc. It also has other side-effects like dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision and dry mouth that are minimized or absent in 2nd-gen antihistamines.

I'm kinda flat out broke right now so I don't think I have the privelege for such. At any rate, how much do these 'desensitization therapies' cost?

[Les]

I don't know the exact figures but as far as I know desensitization therapy is a bit on the expensive side. Before doing it, a battery of allergy tests are done to determine which substances you are allergic to; I think this alone costs several thousand (maybe at least P 2-3k). If warranted however, it will save you money in the long run since you can reduce (or maybe even eliminate) the need for frequent antihistamine intake.

[cvgt2]

antamin is cheap.. so is Iterax with a combination of prednisone

[reydat]

Antamin is the most affordable. It gives me a slight headache, tho.

[Kazarareta]

how much does antamin cost?

[Les]

Antamin is the brand name of chlorpheniramine maleate manufactured by Pharex. This is a first-generation antihistamine so it can have sedating effects too. The 4mg tab has an SRP of 1.78 pesos according to the DOH site; no idea how much Mercury sells it.

[neutrogena]

well i use claritin. its cheaper at 40 p