Antihistamines vs. histamine blockers

draperygoddess · Post by **draperygoddess** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 1:47 pm

Is one better than the other when dealing with mast cell issues? I have both Benadryl and Zyrtec at home, both make me sleepy, but I don't know which one I should take.

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 2:09 pm

Cynthia a antihistamine and a histamine blocker are the same thing, they both relate to a histamine antagonist. Both of those terms refer to a substance that blocks the cellular histamine receptors which will stop the uptake of histamine.

As far as the Zyrtec, it is a med that lasts 24 hours to help avoid feeling drowsy with it, take it at bedtime.

mbeezie · Post by **mbeezie** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 4:13 pm

Actually Joe, my understanding is a bit different. Mast cell blockers, like gastrocrom and ketotifen, are intended to prevent the mast cell from degranulating (releasing histmaine and other mediators). Antihistamines block the effects of histamine once it is released from the cell. Gastrocrom has many side effects, one of which can be diarrhea. Ketotifen is not available in the US (in Canada and there is a pharmacist in washington that will get it for you). I beleive doctors would always start you on OTC products first and only resort to mast cell blockers as needed.

Cynthia,

I could not take benedryl or zyrtec either. I take claritin or allegra and I alternate them, taking allegra for a few months and then claritin. I was tempted many times to try singulair in addition to them for my lung symptoms but never did.

Mary Beth

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 4:22 pm

Hi Mary Beth, thanks for that clarification and correction, I did not realize the distinction. In my reply i was trying to think of the difference between benedryl and Zyrtec. I think they are both antihistamines.

Great info...

MBombardier · Post by **MBombardier** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:35 pm

I split the 180mg. Allegra and take half in the morning and half in the evening because taking it all in the morning did not seem to last all day, and sleeping/waking with allergy symptoms is the pits. Has anyone tried taking one antihistamine in the morning and a different one at night? I am considering taking Allegra in the morning and 1/2 a Benedryl at night. Benedryl wipes me out, so I am not eager to do this.

draperygoddess · Post by **draperygoddess** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:38 pm

I was under the impression that there was a difference between the two (Benadryl and Zyrtec) as far as the way they work. If that's not the case, I guess it comes down to how well (or if) they work for me. I took Zyrtec today, only a half dose, so I wasn't very sleepy, so I'll see how the symptoms go. I have taken both before for my allergies, and neither seem to affect me adversely (other than the sleepy part). Claritin and Allegra weren't as effective for me in controlling my respiratory symptoms, but I don't know if that matters...

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:00 pm

I took Allegra for three days at bedtime and had gurgling and gas all night. I got a prescription from my PCP yesterday for diphenhydramine powder (the active ingredient in Benadryl). Now I have to find a pharmacy that will sell it to me and also look for the capsules. My PCP said that taking 1/2 pill of Benadryl would make it last only half the time, so I should take another HC1 blocker after 12 hours. Has anyone ever heard that?

I'm glad that my PCP is taking an interest in my mast cell problem (in contrast to my GI, who couldn't care less).

Gloria

mzh · Post by **mzh** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:16 am

I was having lots of post-nasal drip and some sneezing from the tree pollens, plus an awful feeling of globus. (I couldn't tell if it was digestive or allergy problem.) Then I remembered I had Astelin, a prescription nasal antihistamine spray. It helped a lot with the symptoms so maybe something like that is another possibility. I know this isn't like Gastrocrom and the like but it's something else to consider for the arsenal.