Allergy Drug Information (cont.)
Jim Morelli, MS, RPh
Jim Morelli holds a B.S. from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health in Boston and an M.S. in civil engineering from Tufts University. He is registered as a pharmacist in the state of Georgia.
Louise Chang, MD
Dr. Chang completed her undergraduate degree at Stanford University and attended medical school at New York Medical College. She completed her internal medicine residency at Saint Vincent's Hospital in New York City, where she also served as a chief resident from 2001-2002. Dr. Chang is board-certified in internal medicine.
In this Article
- Allergy medications overview
- For what conditions are allergy medications used?
- What are the differences in the types of allergy medications?
- What are the side effects of allergy medications?
- What are the drug interactions for allergy medications?
- What if medications aren't enough to improve symptoms?
- What are some warnings/precautions with allergy medications?
- Examples of allergy medications
What are the drug interactions for allergy medications?
Before starting any medication, let your doctor know your full medical history such as drug allergies, medical conditions, current medication use, and whether you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing.
Antihistamines may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, such as sleeping medications, narcotic pain medications, sedatives, anticholinergics, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, seizure medications, or other medications used for allergies or colds.
Corticosteroids may interact with drugs affecting metabolism of corticosteroids, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral, Xolegel, Extina, Ketoconazole Cream) and ritonavir (Kaletra Capsules, Kaletra Tablets, Norvir).
Leukotriene inhibitors may interact with drugs that stimulate liver metabolism, such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin 125, Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin Kapseals) phenobarbital, and carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Equetro) and with rifamycin antibiotics.
Oral decongestants may interact with antidepressants, cold or allergy medications, migraine medications, blood pressure medications, and other decongestants.
Among topical immunomodulators (Elidel and Protopic), there may be drug interaction with certain antibiotics, antifungals, calcium channel blockers, and cimetidine (Tagamet). Pregnant or nursing women should discuss them with their doctors prior to use.
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