Hay fever tablets: The common medicines you should never mix with antihistamines as pollen count spikes

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The pollen count has been rising across the UK this week 🤧
  • An estimated 26% of adults in the UK have hay fever, according to Allergy UK.
  • Symptoms of hay fever can include a runny nose, sore throat or congestion, which can be similar to the cold.
  • Many people treat their hay fever with over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines.
  • However, there are some medications you should never mix with hay fever tablets.

Hay fever season is in full swing, with the pollen count staying high across the UK.

An estimated 26% of adults and 15% of children suffer from hay fever, according to Allergy UK. Symptoms can include a runny nose, congestion or sore throat, with many people turning to over-the-counter remedies and medications to help.

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The Met Office have issued “high” pollen counts across England and Wales this weekend, however, before you reach for your antihistamines, did you know that there are some medications you shouldn’t mix with hay fever tablets?

Here’s everything you need to know about the symptoms of hay fever and what medications you shouldn’t take alongside hay fever tablets.

There are some medications that you should not take if you are taking hay fever tablets.placeholder image
There are some medications that you should not take if you are taking hay fever tablets. | Pexels, Edward Jenner

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

Hay fever is a seasonal allergy caused by pollen grains released during the pollen season. Symptoms tend to be worse between March and November, especially when it's warm and humid.

Symptoms of hay fever can include:

  • sneezing and coughing
  • a runny or blocked nose
  • itchy, red or watery eyes
  • itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
  • loss of smell
  • pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
  • headache
  • feeling tired

Hay fever can last for weeks or months, it cannot be cured but there are some treatments and medications that can help ease symptoms.

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What are the side effects of antihistamines?

Antihistamines are medications that are commonly taken to offer relief for hay fever symptoms, but like all tablets they can cause some side effects.

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Some antihistamines can make you drowsy, causing sleepiness, reduced co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement - you should not drive or use machinery after taking antihistamines that can make you feel drowsy.

Other side effects of drowsy antihistamines can include: dry mouth, blurred vision or difficulty peeing.

Side effects of non-drowsy antihistamines according to the NHS can include:

  • headache
  • dry mouth
  • feeling sick
  • drowsiness – this is less common with non-drowsy antihistamines but is still possible

What medications should you never take with hay fever tablets?

There are some medications that the NHS advise that could cause problems if you take them alongside antihistamines, they include:

Antidepressants

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If you take antidepressant medications, consult with a pharmacist or your GP before taking antihistamines as drowsiness can be a side effect of both medications.

Stomach ulcer or indigestion medicines

If you take stomach ulcer or indigestion medications, consult with a pharmacist or GP before taking antihistamines, as taking both medications may cause a potential interaction.

Cough and cold remedies that also contain an antihistamine

If you are already taking cough and cold remedies that contain an antihistamine, you should not take any additional medications that contain antihistamines, as this could potentially lead to serious side effects.

If you are taking other medications and plan to take an antihistamine, speak to a pharmacist or your GP before taking antihistamines to rule out any possible interactions.

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It’s also recommended that you do not drink alcohol if you are taking antihistamines, especially if you are taking hay fever tablets that can make you drowsy as alcohol can increase the chance of experiencing this.

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