Some Antihistamines
Medication | Degree of Anticholinergic Effects* | Degree of Drowsiness† |
|---|---|---|
Nonprescription (over-the-counter) | ||
Brompheniramine | Moderate | Some |
Cetirizine | Few to none | Little to none in most people and moderate in some people |
Chlorpheniramine | Moderate | Some |
Clemastine | Strong | Moderate |
Desloratadine | Few to none | Little to none |
Diphenhydramine | Strong | Extreme |
Fexofenadine | Few to none | Little to none |
Loratadine | Few to none | Little to none |
Prescription | ||
Acrivastine‡ | Few to none | Little to none |
Azelastine§ | Few to none | Some |
Cyproheptadine | Moderate | Some |
Dexchlorpheniramine | Moderate | Some |
Hydroxyzine | Moderate | Extreme |
Levocetirizine | Few to none | Little to none |
Mizolastine | Few to none | Little to none |
Promethazine | Strong | Extreme |
* Anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty with urination, confusion, and light-headedness (particularly after a person stands up). Older adults are particularly susceptible to these effects. | ||
† The degree of drowsiness varies, depending on the dose, other active ingredients in the formulation (as in formulations that contain a decongestant plus an antihistamine), and the person. | ||
‡ Acrivastine is available only in combination with pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). The combination is taken by mouth. Such combination medications are not used in children under 12 years old. | ||
§ Azelastine is also a mast cell stabilizer. | ||