First-generation antihistamines
Avoid drinking alcohol when taking first-generation antihistamines because this will make the feeling of drowsiness worse.
The same is true for other types of medication that are known to have a sedating effect, such as:
- sleeping tablets
- benzodiazepines, which are often used to treat anxiety disorders
- tricyclic antidepressants, which are used to treat a range of mental health conditions, such as depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as a number of chronic pain conditions
Seek advice from your GP or pharmacist before taking a first-generation antihistamine if you’re taking any of the medications listed above.
You shouldn’t take a first generation antihistamine if you’re also taking a type of antidepressant known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This is because the combination of the two substances can have unpredictable effects.
Second-generation antihistamines
Most second-generation antihistamines do not have important interactions when they’re taken with other medications. However, the exceptions to this are:
- rupatadine – this can cause unpredictable effects if taken with some types of antibiotics or grapefruit juice
- mizolastine – this can cause unpredictable effects if taken with nifedipine (used to treat high blood pressure), cimetidine (used to treat heartburn) and ciclosporin (which is often used to treat people who’ve had an organ transplant)
Cough and cold medicines
Many cough and cold medicines that are available over the counter at pharmacies contain a mixture of different medications, such as paracetamol, decongestants and antihistamines.
Don’t take cough and cold medicines if you have recently taken other antihistamine medication because there’s a risk of taking an excess dose of antihistamine.
These types of cough and cold medicines aren’t recommended for children who are under six years old because the risks of treatment are thought to outweigh any benefits.
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Interactions with other medicines
