Antihistamines
May 21st, 2009
Antihistamines are used to treat allergy symptoms.
Antihistamines (histamine antagonist) block the action of histamine at the H1 and H2 histamine receptors. Antihistamines that primarily block the H1 receptor are used to treat allergies.
Allergens interact with immune cells to cause the release of histamine, which binds to the H1 receptor on other cells to produce the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Inhibition of histamine binding to target cells reduces allergic symptoms.
| Medication Name | Generic Available | Discount Programs |
| Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec-D*) | Yes | OTC |
| Desloratadine (Clarinex, Clarinex-D*) | No | Patent expires in 2014 |
| Fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra-D*) | No | Patent expires in 2012 |
| Levocetirizine (Xyzal) | No | Patent expires in 2012 |
| Loratadine (Claritin, Claritin-D*) | Yes | OTC | Walmart | Target | Kroger |
*Also contains Pseudoephedrine