Antihistamines help relieve allergy symptoms. Those include runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. The common cold causes similar symptoms. So do antihistamines help with colds? Show
Researchers have debated the answer for years. They now seem to be finding better answers, though. This article looks at what antihistamines are, what research says about them as a cold treatment, and your other options for treating a cold. Johner Images / Getty ImagesWhat Are Antihistamines?Antihistamines are medications that help relieve allergy symptoms. When you're exposed to an allergen, your body creates a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes allergy symptoms like:
Antihistamines block that reaction. That's why they stop symptoms. But your body also uses histamines to deal with physical damage and infection—such as a common cold. RecapAn allergic reaction makes your body release histamine. Histamine causes symptoms. Antihistamines block it to prevent or halt symptoms. Histamine may also be involved in the common cold. Types of AntihistaminesMany antihistamines are available over the counter (OTC). Some of the older ones can cause drowsiness. But newer products are less likely to make you sleepy or cause other side effects. Older antihistamines include:
Newer drugs include:
Antihistamines for ColdsMany healthcare providers have seen that antihistamines are inconsistent as cold treatments. Research has long been mixed, too.
It's possible some symptoms aren't related to histamine. So the drugs have no effect. It's also possible some people respond better to the medications than others. Antihistamines are considered safe for adults. So it's likely safe to see whether they impact cold symptoms. That's especially true if you already take one for allergies. That's not true for children, though. Studies say no evidence shows antihistamines help relieve kids' cold symptoms. Because the drugs can have side effects, the risk is generally believed to outweigh potential benefits. Always check with your healthcare provider before taking a new medication. RecapResearch and clinical experience are inconsistent. Antihistamines may help cold symptoms in some people and not others. Some symptoms may have causes other than histamine. Antihistamines are believed safe for adults. Don't use them to treat colds in children. Other OptionsYou have plenty of other options for relieving cold symptoms. A lot of over-the-counter cold medications are available. Many have several active ingredients. Try to find one that only addresses the symptoms you have. That way, you won't get unnecessary drugs and, possibly, their side effects. You can also use non-medication options. They include:
These may help when used alone or in addition to other treatments. SummaryHistamine is a chemical your body releases when you're exposed to allergens. It's responsible for allergy symptoms It may also be involved in the immune system's attack on the common cold. Antihistamines are drugs that block histamine. They're effective for allergies but have mixed results for cold symptoms. Other options for cold treatment include OTC medications, nasal sprays, and herbal products. A Word From VerywellIf you're looking for relief from cold symptoms, read medicine labels carefully. It's easy to double-up on medications if you're using a multi-symptom product along with antihistamines or other drugs. If you're not finding anything that helps, talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to suggest something more effective. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
By Kristina Duda, RN Thanks for your feedback! Can you take allergy medicine and cough medicine together?What Issues Are There from Combining Cough Medicine & Antihistamines? Common over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants and antihistamines are generally though to be perfectly safe – and if taken as directed, they usually are.
Can you take Claritin and cold medicine together?No interactions were found between Claritin and Daytime Cold and Flu Relief. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Can a child take allergy medicine and cough medicine?Safety Information for Parents and Caregivers. Children under 2 years of age should not be given any kind of cough and cold product that contains a decongestant or antihistamine because serious and possibly life-threatening side effects could occur.
Can I take a decongestant and allergy medicine at the same time?Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are both over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help with allergy symptoms. They work in different ways: Sudafed is a decongestant, and Zyrtec is an antihistamine. You can take Sudafed and Zyrtec together, as long as it's safe for you to take either one alone.
|