Benadryl allergy relief

How does it work?

Benadryl allergy relief capsules contain the active ingredient acrivastine, which is a type of medicine called a non-sedating antihistamine. It works by preventing the actions of histamine.

Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defence mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen, eg flower pollen), the mast cells stimulated by the allergen release their stores of histamine.

The released histamine then binds to its receptors (H1 receptors), causing a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms. It causes an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy, and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response.

All this results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In hayfever and other nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), histamine causes inflammation of the nose, eyes, skin or airways and results in itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.

Acrivastine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, but prevents it binding to its receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area, and provides relief from the typical symptoms of nasal allergies such as hayfever.

Acrivastine can also be used to relieve the symptoms of various itchy rashes and hives. Blocking the actions of histamine relieves the itching and reduces the rash.

Acrivastine starts working in about 15 minutes and should provide relief from hayfever symptoms within an hour of taking a dose.

Acrivastine is called a non-sedating antihistamine because it does not enter the brain and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness. However, people react differently to medicines and extremely rarely some people may experience some drowsiness.

What is it used for?

Inflammation of the nasal lining due to allergies

Ongoing itchy rash with no known cause

Warning!

In the extremely unlikely event that this medicine causes drowsiness, the effect may be made worse by consuming alcohol or taking any medicines that do cause drowsiness. You should take care driving or operating machinary until you are familar with your response to this medicine.

If you are due to have any skin prick tests to diagnose allergies you should stop taking your antihistamines at least 48 hours before the tests. This is because antihistamines can prevent or lessen the skin reactions that indicate an allergy, and so can make the test results unreliable.

If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Not to be used in

Children under 12 years of age

Elderly people

Allergy to the antihistamine triprolidine

Significantly decreased kidney function.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. As with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. As with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Drowsiness (extremely rare)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

In the extremely unlikely event that this medicine causes drowsiness, the effect may be made worse by consuming alcohol or taking any medicines that do cause drowsiness.

No other significant interactions have been reported with this medicine.

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