Quifenadine

Quifenadine is a non-sedating antihistamine used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, urticaria and other allergic conditions. It is a third-generation antihistamine, meaning it is less likely to cause drowsiness or impair psychomotor function compared to older antihistamines.

Pharmacology

Quifenadine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. It does this by binding to and blocking the H1 receptor, one of the four known types of histamine receptors in the human body. This prevents histamine from having an effect, thus reducing symptoms of allergy.

Uses

Quifenadine is used to treat a variety of allergic conditions, including:

• Allergic rhinitis: This is an allergic reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander, which causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes.
• Urticaria: Also known as hives, this is a skin reaction that causes red, itchy bumps to appear on the skin.
• Other allergic conditions: Quifenadine may also be used to treat other conditions where histamine is involved, such as angioedema (swelling beneath the skin) or certain types of dermatitis (skin inflammation).

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Quifenadine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea

Precautions

Before taking Quifenadine, patients should inform their doctor if they have any of the following conditions:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Glaucoma
• Prostate problems
• Thyroid disorder

Interactions

Quifenadine may interact with other medications, including:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Sedatives
• Sleeping pills
• Muscle relaxants
• Pain relievers
• Seizure medications

Patients should always inform their healthcare provider about all the medications they are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

See Also

• Antihistamine
• Allergic rhinitis
• Urticaria
• Histamine
• H1 receptor

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