H-2 antihistamines

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Leah
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H-2 antihistamines

Post by Leah »

I have a question. What are some brand names of H-2 antihistamines? The "acid reducers" are different, right? i am thinking of trying one to see if my latest "loosening" has to do with histamines. The Claritin is not very effective right now.

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Jazi
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Post by Jazi »

Claritin is an antihistamine, h2 histamines are pepcid, axid, zantac, etc... those are the acid reducers.
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Post by Jazi »

Joanne

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tex
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Post by tex »

Leah,

To add to what Joanne posted:
Type H2 antihistamines: Drugs such as ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), and famotidine (Pepcid) have also been found to improve the rash and swelling when given with the type H1 antihistamines. Type H2 antihistamines were developed to treat ulcers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved treating hives or angioedema with these drugs, but most physicians feel this is an appropriate use.


From:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hives_an ... ge8_em.htm

You might also find some benefit in reviewing the article at the following link (which is where I found the link cited above):

How are mast cell issues treated?

Tex
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It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Post by Leah »

Thanks Tex and Joanne. So, does this mean that since the H-2 antihistamines are acid reducers, I would be taking the same risks as taking a PPI?

Leah
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Post by Leah »

Oh, and more more question. If i am experiencing more "allergy" type reactions right now due to pollens, would that make my intestine reaction also worse?

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Post by Jazi »

PPI's are in a different class. As for them affecting LC, I don't have that answer, I will think that the answer is no.

For pollen allergies, there is Zyrtec and Allegra that you can try. I love Zyrtec, it has always been my fav.
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Post by tex »

Leah wrote:Thanks Tex and Joanne. So, does this mean that since the H-2 antihistamines are acid reducers, I would be taking the same risks as taking a PPI?
Joanne is quite correct of course, but that does not mean that taking an H2 antihistamine is totally without risk (with MC). Some of us react adversely to them, but they are nowhere near as risky as PPIs.
Leah wrote:Oh, and more more question. If i am experiencing more "allergy" type reactions right now due to pollens, would that make my intestine reaction also worse?
For many of us, that seems to be the case. IOW, H1 histamine reactions can mean that those same antigens may also be be triggering H2 histamine reactions in our gut. That's why some of us find that a combination of both H1 and H2 antihistamines may be more effective in severe situations. Note that this is just my opinion, based on observations from member experiences posted here on the board. I'm not aware of any RCTs where this phenomenon has been properly researched.

Tex
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It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Post by Leah »

Thanks.!. maybe I will try it and see if it helps and only use them when my allergies are bad... Zyrtec makes me sleepy :(

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Post by ldubois7 »

Leah,

Zyrtec makes me sleepy, too. I was taking Claritin, then just switched to Allegra this past week. I'm only taking a half of a tablet. It seems to be working without the sleepiness.

I don't have spring allergies, but I was having histamine issues with foods.

My question....is taking the antihistamine going to mess with my MC? I'm just feeling as though I'm finally starting to heal, and don't want to interrupt my progress.

Your thoughts?
Linda :)

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MTHFR gene mutation and many more....
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Post by tex »

Linda,

I can only guess, based on my limited knowledge of how antihistamines work, but by suppressing histamine reactions, antihistamines should help to limit inflammation, and thereby promote healing.

Tex
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It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Post by Beth »

Leah, thanks for starting this conversation. I had the same question! I'm also wondering if there are H1 otc meds that are less likely to cause jitteriness. If I take benadryl or anything similar to it, I get an anxiety attack and my insomnia worsens. But I'm very aware that I very likely have mast cell issues and am desperate to try to stop the nausea. It's challenging to take care of my baby girl when I feel like this! (But for those of you who have kids, isn't it amazing how they help us rally?)
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Post by ldubois7 »

Beth,

Like you, I have reactions to most pharmaceuticals that many don't. I can't take benadryl or anything like it for the same reasons...jittery & insomnia.
But, I can take Allegra 1/2 dose (non-drowsy, 180 mg., but I cut it in half) at this time. I also took Claritin without the side effects. But, if you have sensitivities to cow's milk, Claritin has lactose as an inactive ingredient. I think that bothered my system.

It might be worth a try.

:smile:
Linda :)

LC Oct. 2012
MTHFR gene mutation and many more....
Leah
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Post by Leah »

That's what I was going to say. try one of the non-drowsy formulas. Claritin redi-tabs are also lactose free
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Post by ldubois7 »

Leah,

Just an FYI....the Redi Tabs do have mannitol, so if anyone has trouble with sugar alcohols, please take that into consideration.

It's always something, isn't it?

:neutral:
Linda :)

LC Oct. 2012
MTHFR gene mutation and many more....
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