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Medication for hives
Hives are a harmless type of rashes or skin allergy that is usually caused by an allergy. The rashes consist of circular, raised welts on the skin that are generally itchy and occur in batches. Hives can be different in size, from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter. Hives mostly affects the arms, throat, legs and trunk. About sixteen s percent of the population experiences these rashes at some time in their lives. The reason for hives can be food, insect bite or medication. It should be treated at its early stage as when it is last for more than six weeks it is causes several problems.
Medication for hives:
Some medications that are commonly used for treating hives are mentioned below.
- Antihistamines: When the substance accountable for your hives can not be found then the symptoms of hives should be treated. Antihistamines are the main medication that is used to control the spread of hives. You can used antihistamines such as seldane, benedryl, tagamet and Atarax.
- Corticosteroids: This medication is used in more serve cases.
- Epinephrine injections: This medication is used in cases that involve life threatening situations.
Allergy causing hives medication:
- Short acting H1 antihistamines: This medication with diphenhydramine and are the main treatment of mild hives and angioedema. These medications are available without a prescription and are inexpensive. This medication should be taken in every 6 – 12 hours. These medication cause sleepiness which can prove hinder in normal activities.
- Long acting H1 antihistamines: You can use these medications for mild cases of hives and angioedema. This medication includes fexofenadine and cetirizine. These medications are available by prescription and are more expensive than non prescription antihistamines. This medication should be taken in every 12 – 24 hours. It does not cause disruptive sleepiness. loratadine, tehe long acting and nonsedating H1 antihistamine is available without prescription. You can use one 10 mg tablet per day as an alternative.
- Type H2 antihistamine: This medication includes drugs such as cimetidine, asrantidine and famotidine. It is given with the type H1 antihistamines to improve the rash and swelling. This medication is developed to treat ulcers. This medication is not approved for treating hives or angioedema by the food and drug admiration (FDA), however some doctors prescribe it.
- Corticosteroids: this medication represses the allergic reaction of the immune system. This medication can be given by injection or can be taken by mouth. This medication includes prednisone, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone. This medication reduces the chance of the rash coming back. Moreover, they relive symptoms of hives such as inflammation and swelling. This medication should be taken in every few hours to work. In severe cases of hives, corticosteroids is given by an injection or infused through an IV line
- Epinephrine: This is a prescription drug which rapidly reverses the severe allergic reactions. This can be injected or given through an IV line.
It is important for one to treat hives at its early stage as some severe cases of hives may also require hospitalization.
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