Antihistamineshelp relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
The common cold causes similar symptoms, which antihistamines can sometimes help.
Combination cold medicine often contains antihistamines along with other symptom-relieving ingredients.
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If you take antihistamines for allergies, be careful taking cold medicine.
Taking multiple antihistamines can cause unpleasant side effects.
This article discusses allergy medicine for colds.
It looks at the current research on whether antihistamines relieve cold symptoms.
It also explores combination cold and allergy medicines and addresses potential safety concerns.
What Are Antihistamines?
Antihistamines are medications that help relieveallergy symptoms.
They work by blockinghistamine, a chemical the body releases when you’reexposed to an allergen.
Types of Antihistamines
Antihistamines are available over the counter (OTC).
Older ones can cause drowsiness and are sometimes used as sleep aids.
Newer antihistamines are less likely to cause side effects.
A 2019 study found antihistamines combined with decongestants help to relieve cold symptoms.
However, the same study found decongestants have the same benefit with or without antihistamines.
Is It Safe to Take Allergy Medicine for a Cold?
Adults can take allergy medicine for a cold.
Antihistamines are considered safe for adults.
While their effectiveness is uncertain, it is generally safe for adults to take allergy medicine.
Children under 4, however, should not be given antihistamines to treat a cold.
Always check with your healthcare provider before taking a new medication.
Cold and Allergy Medicine
Cold and allergy medicine are often combined into a single product.
However, they were not found to be effective in younger children.
Is It Safe to Take Cold and Allergy Medication Together?
Cold and allergy medicines can be combined safely in adults.
Adults should also use caution when taking allergy medication along with combination cold medicines.
If you take an antihistamine for allergies, do not also take a cold medicine that contains antihistamines.
Taking too many antihistamines at once can lead to an overdose.
Signs of an antihistamine overdose include:
What Products Contain Both Cold and Allergy Medicine?
Summary
Allergy medicines known as antihistamines are often taken to relieve cold symptoms.
These medications treat allergies by blocking histamine, a chemical released in response to contact with an allergen.
Histamine also plays a role in the common cold, which is why antihistamines may help ease cold symptoms.
Antihistamines are a common ingredient in many OTC cold medicines.
Adults and children ages 6 and older can safely take combination cold medicines containing antihistamines.
Younger children, though, should only take combination cold medicine under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Children over age 4 can be given an older-generation antihistamine like Benedryl for nighttime cold symptoms.
However, there is no evidence that antihistamines relieve cold symptoms, and they can have unpleasant side effects.
Use caution when mixing cold and allergy medicines.
Taking more than one antihistamine at a time can cause serious side effects.
To prevent an accidental antihistamine overdose, always read the label of all medications you take.
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