Effective Antihistamine

[CallMeFlo]

I seem to have developed some kind of allergy at work. My eyes start streaming within minutes of sitting at my desk.

I've tried a couple of anti histamines with no success. Can anyone recommend one they've found to be really effective

Have you tried taking two?

There's 2 different types, one is loratdine based and the other is certizine based (spellings may be wrong lol). It will tell you the packet which one it is and I find if one type doesn't work I just get the other

There is a third type, used to be prescription only but came out on general release this year.

Foxofenadine. Branded version allevia, non- branded treathay (and much cheaper).

This is now my preferred type.

Fexofenadine. One of the brand names is Allevia.
Strongest antihistamine you can get available over the counter.
I'd also be reporting this to HR and asking if the cleaners have changed their cleaning products, and perhaps using it as a 'reasonable adjustment' basis to work from home more frequently.

This is the only thing that works for me

Chloraphenamine maltate

Unfortunately working from home isn't an option at my work

Thanks for these suggestions. Hopefully one will work

Agree, Allevia is the only thing that works for me but have to take it everyday. Bloody mould allergy, so bad in this damp weather.

If it's just your eyes (mine mostly is at this time of year) Opticrom or similar eye drops used as recommended are highly effective.

For me, the key to effective antihistamine use is consistency. I find them most effective when I use them preemptively and regularly.

I take them every day year round and my symptoms are now minimal for hayfever, leaf mould allergy, tree pollen and grass pollen allergy.

Cetirizine hydrochloride is best for me for year round use, I also use loratidine and then for spring summer I use fexofenadine. You can buy fexofenadine OTC, or for stronger dose you need a script. I also use a nasal steroid everyday.

Branded antihistamines are a con. Read the ingredients to find the drug name and buy cheaper unbranded.

You haven't mentioned what or how you have used antihistamines, but if you haven't already try taking one everyday for at least two weeks. Switch to a different one if this doesn't work, them ramp up to fexofenadine and then add a nasal spray.

Another thought is; maybe it's not an allergy?
it could be gases from cleaning chemicals and also new furniture, carpets etc also "off gas" which could be effecting your eyes??

If you are sitting at a computer, could it be too bright? Have you been checked for eye health recently?

Thank you so much for the suggestions I've ordered allevia so 🤞🏻

I didn't realise taking them daily was beneficial. I've just taken them when needed so will definitely try that

Yeah it's fine to take daily
I've taken 4 cetirizine for the last 28 years every day!

There's also promethazine (but it can make you sleepy).

Fexofenadine has made an astonishing difference for my DC with allergies, with no side effects.

Our allergist recommended the same as @happysunr1se - take it every day during allergy season (or year round in my DC's case).

Thank you so much for the replies. I got Allevia yesterday took one yesterday and one today & am at work amazed with the difference.

Long may it continue

I love Fexofenadine. I have to take one every day otherwise my eyes are very sore and my sinuses block.

Glad it's helped. Allergies are miserable.

Slightly off-topic, but apparently there have been promising early results using this to alleviate some symptoms of long covid.

Hi there, I’ve just switched from four fexo to four cetrizine and do find they make me sleepy- did you find that at first and then get used to it? fexo weren’t cutting it for me anymore so I’m now on a steroid course alongside cetirizine.