Hay Fever

How hay fever is treated

Hay fever is treated mainly with antihistamines.
When pollen enters the body, immune cells release substances such as histamine, which act on receptors in the nose and eyes and produce allergic symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing and itching. Antihistamines ease these symptoms by blocking the action of histamine.

Shinsatsu Dash offers the following second-generation antihistamines.
・Generic Allelock (olopatadine hydrochloride tablets 5 mg)
・Generic Xyzal (levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets 5 mg)
The doctor decides whether to prescribe after checking your symptoms, daily routine, how easily you become drowsy, your medical history and any other medicines you take.

Generic Allelock (olopatadine hydrochloride tablets 5 mg)

Olopatadine is classed as a second-generation antihistamine. By blocking the action of histamine, the substance behind allergic symptoms, it relieves the runny nose, sneezing and congestion of allergic rhinitis, including hay fever. It is also used for itching associated with hives and skin conditions.

[How to take it] Adults normally take one tablet twice daily, in the morning and before bed.
[Main side effects] Drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation and fatigue. Rarely, liver dysfunction or jaundice may occur.
Because drowsiness may occur after taking it, please take particular care when driving or operating machinery.

Generic Xyzal (levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets 5 mg)

Levocetirizine is classed as a second-generation antihistamine. By blocking the histamine H1 receptor, it relieves the runny nose, sneezing, congestion and itching caused by allergic rhinitis such as hay fever. It is also used for hives and itchy skin.

[How to take it] Adults normally take one tablet once daily, before bed.
[Main side effects] Drowsiness, fatigue, headache, dry mouth and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Anaphylaxis, convulsions, liver dysfunction and reduced platelet counts have rarely been reported.
As drowsiness may occur, please avoid driving or operating potentially dangerous machinery while taking it.

When should I start taking hay fever medicine?

You can start once symptoms appear, but people who get hay fever every year sometimes begin before the pollen season starts, or while symptoms are still mild. Starting treatment early can reduce symptoms during the peak of the pollen season. The doctor will advise on timing based on the pollen forecast and your symptoms.