With grass pollen levels increasing, experts are urging people suffering from seasonal allergies to be careful not only with the medications they take, but also with the beverages they consume with them.
Grass pollen season is usually at its peak from mid-May to late July. Many people turn to antihistamines to relieve symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. However, experts say some drinks can affect how the body absorbs the medication, making it less effective.
Bolt Pharmacy experts have listed four drinks that are advised to be avoided when taking antihistamines.
Orange juice
Although it is considered a healthy drink, orange juice is not recommended to be consumed with some antihistamines.
"Many people take their allergy medicine in the morning with a glass of orange juice, without thinking twice," experts say.
According to them, this can significantly affect the way some oral medications are absorbed by the body. Orange juice can reduce the absorption of the antihistamine fexofenadine by about a third.
However, this interaction does not apply equally to all allergy medications. Antihistamines in the form of nasal sprays or eye drops are not affected in the same way, as they do not depend on absorption in the digestive system.
Apple juice
Apple juice can also reduce the effect of fexofenadine. According to experts, when consumed with this medication, it can significantly reduce the amount of the active substance that reaches the bloodstream.
For this reason, it is advisable to take the tablets with water, to avoid reducing their effectiveness.
Grapefruit juice
Grapefruit juice is another drink that can interact with allergy medications. Experts say that knowing this interaction is important to ensure that the medication works properly.
Caution should also be exercised when grapefruit juice is consumed with other medications, as it can affect their concentration in the blood and increase the risk of unexpected side effects.
alcohol
Although allergy season often coincides with the period when people spend more time outdoors, experts advise against taking antihistamines with alcohol or shortly before consuming it.
According to NHS recommendations, alcohol should be avoided especially when taking antihistamines that cause drowsiness, as it can enhance this effect. This is particularly important for people who need to drive, use machinery or carry out activities that require concentration.
In general, experts advise that antihistamines be taken with water, to ensure better absorption and maximum effect of the medication. /GazetaExpress/
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