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Difference Between Antihistamine and Decongestant
Allergies and sinus congestion can cause discomfort and interfere with our daily activities. Antihistamines and decongestants are two commonly used medications to relieve these symptoms. Although both medications can help alleviate allergy and sinus symptoms, they work differently and are used for different purposes.
What are Antihistamines?
is a chemical released by our body's immune system in response to an allergen, which triggers an allergic reaction. Antihistamines block the receptors that histamine binds to, which can help reduce the symptoms of allergies such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and hives. Antihistamines are also sometimes used to relieve symptoms of motion sickness, vertigo, and other conditions that cause nausea.
There are two types of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation.
First-generation antihistamines are older medications that can cause drowsiness and other side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Examples of first-generation antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), and brompheniramine (Dimetapp).
Second-generation antihistamines are newer medications that are less likely to cause drowsiness and have fewer side effects. Examples of second-generation antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra).
Uses − The H1 antihistamines treat conditions of hay fever in which people have an allergic response with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes. The H2 antihistamines reduce acid secretion in the stomach and so are used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and stomach or duodenal ulcers.
Side effects from Antihistamine − H1 antihistamines have the side effect of making you sleepy which can make driving or operating machinery dangerous if you are taking them. The H2 antihistamines may also make you sleepy and in some people, it can cause headaches or diarrhea, and it can interfere with some of the androgen hormones in the body. Blurred vision and dry mouth may be a side effect of some of the antihistamines.
Examples − Examples of H1 receptor antagonists include diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, loratidine, and promethazine. An example of an H2 antagonist is the medication cimetidine.
What are Decongestants?
Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which helps reduce inflammation and congestion. Decongestants can relieve symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sinus pressure, and ear pressure caused by allergies, the common cold, or sinus infections. Decongestants can be taken orally or applied topically, such as in the form of nasal sprays or drops.
Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), are available over-the-counter and by prescription. However, they can have side effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and insomnia. They are also not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or prostate enlargement
Nasal decongestant sprays or drops, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine), can provide fast and effective relief of nasal congestion. However, they should only be used for a short period of time, usually no more than three days, to avoid rebound congestion, which can occur when the medication is used for too long and the nasal passages become dependent on it. Rebound congestion can cause even more severe symptoms and can be difficult to treat.
Uses − Decongestants help by reducing secretions in the nose which tends to occur when a person has a cold or bad allergic response in which there is excessive inflammation resulting in too much mucus being produced from the nasal mucosa. Epinephrine is used for anaphylaxis, which is a severe life-threatening allergic response.
Side effects − Some of the decongestants are more dangerous than others because they strongly stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. This can cause a rapid heart rate and a dangerous rise in blood pressure. This is why ephedrine is less common today than pseudoephedrine which has less severe side effects. Most have side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. They can cause insomnia and anxiety. Headaches, heart palpitations, and dizziness can also be side effects.
Examples − Examples of decongestants include epinephrine and ephedrine, but these can cause great anxiety because they stimulate the nervous system. The epinephrine is very strong and so is only used in particular situations such as anaphylaxis. Other examples that are more commonly used to treat colds include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
Differences: Antihistamine and Decongestant
The following table highlights the major differences between Antihistamines and Decongestants −
Characteristics |
Antihistamine |
Decongestant |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
An antihistamine is a medicine that stops histamine from working. |
A decongestant is a medicine that causes constriction of blood vessels of the mucous membranes. |
Receptors impacted |
Antihistamines either block H1 cell receptors or block H2 cell receptors. |
Decongestants impact the alpha-adrenergic cell receptors. |
Action |
The antihistamines reduce the effects of histamine on the body. |
Decongestants cause constriction of the muscles in blood vessels. |
Uses |
Antihistamine medications are used to treat allergies, and some types are used to treat GERD, ulcers of the stomach, and duodenum. |
Decongestants are used to treat allergies, colds, and anaphylactic reactions. |
Side effects |
The side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal upset. |
The side effects of decongestants include Insomnia, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, rise in blood pressure, and anxiety. |
Examples |
Examples of antihistamine medications include diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, loratidine, promethazine, and cimetidine. |
Examples of decongestant medications include ephedrine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine. |
Conclusion
In summary, antihistamines and decongestants are two types of medications commonly used to relieve allergy and sinus symptoms. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, while decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Antihistamines can relieve symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose, while decongestants can relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and ear pressure.
Antihistamines are available in both first-generation and second-generation forms, while decongestants can be taken orally or applied topically in the form of nasal sprays or drops. It is important to follow the instructions on the medication label and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
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