Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Medication Can Be Taken For An Allergy While On Metformin And Glipizide?
Question: I am a diabetic and currently taking metformin 500 mg twice a day) and glipizide 5 mg twice a day. I have a serious allergy problem with irritsted and teary eyes and itching in my ears and body in general. I have never taken medication for the problem, however the allergy conditions has worsen. What medication for allergy relief can i take.
Brief Answer:
Information.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX,
For the itching ears and skin, you can take the antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec). You can start with once a day to see how you tolerate it, but for generalized itching, you will likely need a higher dose. It is compatible with metformin and glipizide. You may also need an antihistamine eye drop solution but best to talk about that with your doctor.
Taking preventive measures to minimize whatever you are reacting to is one of the mainstays of dealing with allergies, unfortunately. If it is something outside, change into "indoor" clothes when you come in. Wash your eyes with saline and possibly use a saline nasal rinse when you come in as well.
If it is an indoor allergy, keep any pets (cats, dogs) out of the bedroom at night to minimize the number of hours you are exposed to dander proteins, and if dust is a problem for your allergies, consider getting good quality washable dust mite barrier covers for your pillows and mattress. Wash bedding once a week in hot water.
A nasal steroid spray can also help the itching ears because itching ears from allergies are usually due to allergens going down the throat which connects with the eustachian tubes of the ears. It has to be used daily and you should be able to know whether it is going to help you by 2 weeks. Don't use the nasal steroid (which you can get at any pharmacy or drug store over the counter) within an hour of nasal saline because it will just end up dripping down into your stomach where you don't want it.
If these suggestions are not enough, it's time to see an allergist for a consult.
I hope you get some relief.
Regards,
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
Information.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX,
For the itching ears and skin, you can take the antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec). You can start with once a day to see how you tolerate it, but for generalized itching, you will likely need a higher dose. It is compatible with metformin and glipizide. You may also need an antihistamine eye drop solution but best to talk about that with your doctor.
Taking preventive measures to minimize whatever you are reacting to is one of the mainstays of dealing with allergies, unfortunately. If it is something outside, change into "indoor" clothes when you come in. Wash your eyes with saline and possibly use a saline nasal rinse when you come in as well.
If it is an indoor allergy, keep any pets (cats, dogs) out of the bedroom at night to minimize the number of hours you are exposed to dander proteins, and if dust is a problem for your allergies, consider getting good quality washable dust mite barrier covers for your pillows and mattress. Wash bedding once a week in hot water.
A nasal steroid spray can also help the itching ears because itching ears from allergies are usually due to allergens going down the throat which connects with the eustachian tubes of the ears. It has to be used daily and you should be able to know whether it is going to help you by 2 weeks. Don't use the nasal steroid (which you can get at any pharmacy or drug store over the counter) within an hour of nasal saline because it will just end up dripping down into your stomach where you don't want it.
If these suggestions are not enough, it's time to see an allergist for a consult.
I hope you get some relief.
Regards,
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
