Allergy meds

I was wondering if there was an Over the counter allergy med stronger than Benadryl. I have hives and I think I have it narrowed down as to what I ate that caused them but I am still itchy and all broke out and the Benadryl ain't helping. I plan on calling the doc in the morning but thought I'd ask all you wise ones too.

Jbug

Well, I hazard to attempt to help, but for allergic reactions when I have them (I'm allergic to molds, some foods, and latex)... I'll either use:

Benadryl (which you've already tried)

or Claritin.

Hope you're feeling better soon!

I also use those, or Cetirizine hydrochloride (which is in one type of benadryl but not the regular one, which is Acrivastine). I have had quite severe allergic reactions though, where I needed steroids in addition, but you'll need to see a doctor for those.

Zyrtec was just recently approved for OTC use. It was prescription only. It's an antihistamine. You may want to give it a try. Also, have you tried anything topical like hydrocortisone cream?

Try over the counter Zyrtec-D, Claritin-D, etc. The second generation antihistamines work a bit better than Benadryl for some things.

I would try the new Over-The-Counter Zyrtec. Along with maybe applying some hydrocortisone cream.

I called my doc's office and they told me 2 Benadryl every 4 hours. Of course I will be sleeping my life away but then again I won't be scratching LOL. If its not better by Monday I plan on going in to see him.

Jbug

Jbug

Hope your feeling better. When I had a reaction to a medication my doc Rx Claritin. It is now available OTC in Rx strength.

Benadryl is usually a short-term solution for food reactions or general itchiness.

Claritin is probably more effective, although it can take a week to reach its maximum effectiveness... same with Zyrtec. Both of those meds are available OTC and in generic form, and both are non-drowsy (in general).

If you think you are having a food allergy issue, you need to make sure you have completely eliminated all forms of the problem food from your diet.

I take Claritin year round for environmental allergies. Otherwise I would be a miserable mess of hives.

The itchies are gone now. The combo of Zantac and Benadryl worked. I wasn't aware that Zantac could help hives but it did for me.

Jbug

Actually, benadryl is the best thing ever to me. I only use it when i am bad bad bad, and it knocks me out out out! I had gotten something from a mosquito (probably a mild case of west nile) and for 3 days straight out of nowhere i would get these huge hives that would cover my entire torso and halfway down my legs and oh my gosh you should have seen it! I took 2 benadryl and it cleared it up quick! I had to take benadryl for the next 3 days straight but it was my life saver!!