WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW LOOK ALLERGEX NON- DROWSY MEDICINE?

Allergex Non-Drowsy has recently undergone a brand evolution to shift the focus from a medical perspective, to the human factor. Allergies can have a debilitating effect on people’s lifestyle and the new look and feel of the packaging, as well as the new slogan: “Live, work, sleep, play, allergy free,’ speaks to exactly that.

This progression of the brand has therefore merely been of an aesthetic nature and has zero effect on the efficacy or composition of the Allergy Non-Drowsy tablets and syrup. Essentially, it is the same products, just wearing a new jacket. Join us, as we answer some of your other most burning questions about Allergex Non-Drowsy and antihistamine.

What types of allergies can I use Allergex Non-Drowsy for?

Allergex Non-Drowsy is generally indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, rhinorrhoea (runny nose), and itching of the nose and throat. Is also indicated for the relief of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) and other allergic dermatoses (allergic skin reactions).¹,² 1

Can I buy Allergex Non-Drowsy over the counter?

Allergex Non-Drowsy is available at most leading pharmacies. ¹,² 1

There are however a league of variables that can influence usage and efficacy, such as other medicines you are using, chronic medical conditions and so on. For this reason, it is always best to ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice before you buy it.

Is Allergex Non-Drowsy an antihistamine?

Allergex Non-Drowsy contains Loratadine, which is indeed a long acting antihistamine.¹,² 1

References:

  1. Adcock Ingram. Allergex Non-Drowsy Syrup. Approved packaging insert, January 2003.
  2. Adcock Ingram. Allergex Non-Drowsy Tablets. Approved packaging insert, February 2004.

S1 Allergex® Non Drowsy Tablets. Each tablet contains loratadine 10 mg. Reg. No. 36/5.7.1/0286

S1 Allergex® Non Drowsy Syrup. Each 5 ml contains loratadine 5 mg. Reg. No. 36/5.7.1/0008

For full prescribing information, refer to the package insert approved by the medicines regulatory authority. 2018112810111298

Adcock Ingrams Limited. Reg. No. 1949/03485/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa.

Tel. +27 11 635 0000, www.adcock.com.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND SOURCES

  1. Adcock Ingram. Allergex Non-Drowsy. Accessed on 16 November 2018. Available at: www.adcockingram.co.za/products 

Allergex Non-Drowsy is used for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, rhinorrhea (runny nose), and itching of the nose and throat. Is also indicated for the relief of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) and other allergic dermatoses (allergic skin reactions). 1

  • Allergex Non-Drowsy contains Loratadine.
  • Loratadine is a long acting antihistamine, that only needs to be taken once daily 1

Dosage:

  • Children 2 to 5 years of age:5 ml (1 medicine measure) once daily
  • Children 6 to 12 years of age:10 ml (2 medicine measures) once daily
  • Adults and children over 12 years of age:10 ml (2 medicine measures) or 1 tablet once daily

Available in the following packs and formats:

  • Allergex ND Syrup 150ml
  • Allergex ND Tablets 10s
  • Allergex ND Tablets 30s

Available at most leading pharmacies 1

  1. Ratini M, DO, MS. Allergy Relief: Antihistamines vs. Degongestants. WebMD. Reviewed on 15 January 2018. Accessed on 16 November 2018. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/antihistamines-1

 

Allergy Relief: Antihistamines vs. Decongestants

Antihistamines and decongestants won’t cure your allergies. But they’ll give you much-needed relief for a runny or congested nose.

Antihistamines target histamine, which your body makes during an allergic reaction.

You can take them as pills, nasal spray, or eye drops. The pills target itching, sneezing, and runny nose. The nasal sprays work on congestion, an itchy or runny nose, and postnasal drip.

Antihistamines can ease your symptoms, but they work best when you take them before you feel a reaction. They can build up in your blood to protect against allergens and block the release of histamines. Ask your doctor if you should start taking allergy medicine a couple of weeks before you usually have symptoms. 2

Decongestants cut down on the fluid in the lining of your nose. That relieves swollen nasal passages and congestion.

You can take these by mouth in pills or liquids, like pseudoephedrine. Decongestants also come in nasal sprays, including oxymetazoline and phenylephrine. But if you use nasal sprays too often, they can make your symptoms harder to treat.

Some medications combine antihistamines and decongestants. Their names usually end with “-D.”

Do You Need a Prescription?

Some of these drugs need a prescription. Others don’t. First try an over-the-counter brand. But check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you have the right medication for your symptoms. If you don’t get relief, ask for something stronger.

What About Side Effects?

You shouldn’t drive when you take antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Nasahist B), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine (DayhistTavist), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). They can make you drowsy. Others such as desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Alavert, Claritin) usually don’t.

Decongestants can also cause side effects, such as:

  • Nervousness
  • Sleeplessness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure

 

You shouldn’t take decongestants if you have certain health issues, including high blood pressure or heart problems. If you have prostate problems that make it hard to pee, these drugs can make the problem worse.

Don’t use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row, as they may make your nasal congestion and swelling worse and last longer.

Check the drug label for more information about side effects.

WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on January 15, 2018