Antihistamines and corticosteroids are both medications used to treat allergies.
In this way, they both work on the immune system.
Antihistamines are typically used to treat common allergies.
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They work by reducing the impact of histamine production in the body.
Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical associated with immune system functioning.
Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications that work to reduce inflammatory processes in the body and reduceoveractive immune system activity.
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What Are Antihistamines?
Antihistamines are a class of drugs that block the effects of histamine in the body.
There are two types of antihistamines.
The jot down of antihistamine needed will depend on the reaction or condition being treated.
Types
H1 blockers are a throw in of antihistamine used to treat allergies.
This class of antihistamine also treats:
Warning
First-generation antihistamine overdose causes toxicity and can be fatal.
Corticosteroids are steroid medications used to treat overactive immune system activity.
Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids are a synthetic version of the naturally occurring glucocorticoid hormone present in the body.
They help preventcell tissue and organ damage brought on by excessive inflammationby reducing immune system activity.
They work on theadrenal cortex part of the adrenal gland.
Mineralocorticoids are used in the treatment of adrenal fatigue and kidney disease.
Whats the Difference Between Antihistamines and Corticosteroids?
Both medications work to reduce immune system activity.
The difference between antihistamines and corticosteroids are the chemical processes they are targeting.
Antihistamines target histamines to reduce their impact on the immune system and inflammatory processes.
Corticosteroids work by reducing upstream chemical reactions causing inflammation.
Side Effects
The following are the side effects of antihistamines and corticosteroids.
Side effects will also vary depending on whether youre taking H1 or H2 blockers.
Side effects of nasal antihistamines include sneezing and upper respiratory infection.
Speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines interact with other medications and substances, causing drowsiness or excessive fatigue.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids may interact with medications, impacting the digestive system and metabolism.
These include Nizoral (ketoconazole) and Norvir or Kaletra (ritonavir).
Taking more than one bang out of decongestant increases your risk of overdose.
Always check the labels of new and old medications to prevent doubling up on dosage.
Summary
Antihistamines and corticosteroids work to reduce immune system activity.
Antihistamines block histamine action that occurs from allergies.
Corticosteroids work on additional chemicals involved in the immune system and inflammatory processes.
Types of antihistamines include first and second-generation and nasal antihistamines.
Types of corticosteroids include synthetic corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids.
Side effects of antihistamines depend on throw in, with second-generation antihistamines having fewer side effects than first-generation drugs.
Corticosteroid side effects include fluid retention and weight gain.
Antihistamines interact with other medications causing drowsiness, antipsychotics, and some anti-vomiting medications.
Corticosteroids interact with drugs affecting metabolism.
If you have questions about a certain medication interacting with an antihistamine or corticosteroid, consult a pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Antihistamines and corticosteroids are not the same.
Antihistamines are medications that reduce histamine activity related to allergies.
Corticosteroids are medications that reduce immune system activity associated with chronic conditions causing chronic inflammation.
Some antihistamines and/or corticosteroids are recommended to treat certain conditions during pregnancy.
It is important to ask your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy.
Research suggests nasal steroids are better than antihistamines for reducing symptoms of nasal allergy or allergic rhinitis.
Nasal steroids performed better in improving sleep, daytime sleepiness, sneezing, itchiness, and congestion.
This suggests nasal steroids can be the first option for treating nasal allergy.
Yes, antihistamines help reduce inflammation.
Antihistamines reduce inflammation by blocking histamine receptors associated with inflammatory immune system responses.
Research also suggests they work to reduce inflammation by suppressing different pathways associated with inflammation.
The medicine that is best for allergies will depend on the cause of the allergic reaction.
However, generally speaking, second- generation antihistamines and nasal steroids are best for allergies.
Consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for additional information specific to your health needs.
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