Understanding Urticaria Medication: How to Use Antihistamines

Common approaches to medication

• The goal is to control itching and reduce hives. Use your medicine regularly, following your doctor's plan.
• If symptoms keep coming back, you may need to keep taking it for a longer time. Your doctor will decide how long the course should be.
• Some people need a change in the type or dose of medicine. This should be assessed by a doctor first.

Common questions

Many people worry about the safety of taking medicine for a long time, or think they can stop once symptoms are gone. Whether to lower the dose, stop, or switch medicines should be decided by your doctor based on how your symptoms are going. Stopping on your own may make symptoms come back. Some medicines may cause drowsiness. The effect varies from person to person, so take care when driving or using machinery.

When to see a doctor urgently

If symptoms keep getting worse after taking medicine, or if you have difficulty breathing, a tight throat, a swollen tongue, chest tightness, dizziness, or feel less alert, get medical help right away. It also helps to keep a record of your symptoms and the medicines you take, so your doctor can adjust your plan at follow-up visits.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.