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Antihistamines are commonly used in veterinary patients
for allergic
conditions. Some antihistamines are by prescription
only, while others are available over-the-counter.
Some of the more effective over-the-counter antihistamines
used for our pets include Diphenhydramine (Benedryl)
and Chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimaton). These antihistamines
may be just as effective as the prescription ones, and
certainly less costly.
Check with your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter
medication in your pet.
Histamine in our pets, is only one of a few substances
produced by their system in response to allergy known
as mediators of inflammation. If histamine is
the dominant mediator of inflammation produced by your
pet in response to an allergy, antihistamines should
be quite effective.
However, if the other mediators of inflammation dominate
in response to an allergy, than antihistamines may have
little effect. In this case, an alternate treatment
plan would be necessary. If over-the-counter antihistamines
have failed, then prescription antihistamines should
be offered to determine effectiveness. In some
cases, your veterinarian may need to prescribe a steroid
product to reduce the signs of inflammation associated
with allergy.
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