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Suggest Alternative Medication In Place Of Loratadine Taken For Allergies

Posted on Wed, 16 Mar 2016

Question: I used Loratadine for allergies for about 5 years, but now it is not sufficient as I wake up coughing, a lot of drainage and watery eyes, although it becomes effective after about an hour from taking the tablet in the morning.
I tried at a doctor's suggestion, montelukast (prescription) and it helped somewhat with sore throat and not as much drainage. And then I tried allegra (fexofenadine) but I broke out in a rash. Next tried Cetirizine hydrochloride and again broke out in a rash.
Can you suggest something stronger the loratadine - I don't know what might be the ingredient in the other two allergy pills that could be causing the skin rash.
thank you.
andreen

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try chlorpheniramine tablet.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, you should take chlorpheniramine tablet for your problem.
Chlorpheniramine is the oldest and most potent antihistamine. It is the best anti allergic drug.
The only problem with this is sedation.
So if you are working and sedation is the concern then better to continue loratidine.
But if mild sedation is acceptable then chlorpheniramine should be tried in your case.
Please let me know
1. Have you ever undergone PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)?
2. Do you have wheezing at night?
I am asking this because you might be having underlying asthma and asthma need inhaled treatment if present.
So please let me know answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 hours later)

I have very mild COPD - don't know if had a PFT to determine that; also sleep apnea but I don't use anything for it - just sleep on my side so don't go into apnea. Do not have wheezing
thank you will try the chlorpenimarane -
andreen

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please close the conversation and rate my answer.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
Yes, you should definitely try chlorpheniramine.
You will mostly improve with it.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar