Some Antihistamines
Medication | Degree of Anticholinergic Effects* | Degree of Drowsiness† |
|---|---|---|
Nonprescription (over-the-counter) | ||
BrompheniramineBrompheniramine | Moderate | Some |
CetirizineCetirizine | Few to none | Little to none in most people and moderate in some people |
ChlorpheniramineChlorpheniramine | Moderate | Some |
ClemastineClemastine | Strong | Moderate |
DesloratadineDesloratadine | Few to none | Little to none |
DiphenhydramineDiphenhydramine | Strong | Extreme |
FexofenadineFexofenadine | Few to none | Little to none |
LoratadineLoratadine | Few to none | Little to none |
Prescription | ||
Acrivastine‡ | Few to none | Little to none |
Azelastine§Azelastine§ | Few to none | Some |
CyproheptadineCyproheptadine | Moderate | Some |
DexchlorpheniramineDexchlorpheniramine | Moderate | Some |
HydroxyzineHydroxyzine | Moderate | Extreme |
LevocetirizineLevocetirizine | Few to none | Little to none |
Mizolastine | Few to none | Little to none |
PromethazinePromethazine | Strong | Extreme |
* Anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty with urination, confusion, and light-headedness (particularly after a person stands up). Older adults are particularly susceptible to these effects. | ||
† The degree of drowsiness varies, depending on the dose, other active ingredients in the formulation (as in formulations that contain a decongestant plus an antihistamine), and the person. | ||
‡ Acrivastine is available only in combination with pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). The combination is taken by mouth. Such combination medications are not used in children under 12 years old.‡ Acrivastine is available only in combination with pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). The combination is taken by mouth. Such combination medications are not used in children under 12 years old. | ||
§ Azelastine is also a mast cell stabilizer.§ Azelastine is also a mast cell stabilizer. | ||