Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAntihistaminesCorticosteroidsThe DifferenceSide EffectsDrug InteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Antihistamines
Corticosteroids
The Difference
Side Effects
Drug Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical associated with immune system functioning. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications that work to reduce inflammatory processes in the body and reduceoveractive immune system activity.
In this article, you’ll learn about antihistamine types, corticosteroid types, the difference between antihistamines and corticosteroids, side effects to consider, and potential drug interactions.
Longhua Liao / Getty Images
What Are Antihistamines?
Antihistamines are a class of drugs that block the effects of histamine in the body. There are two types of antihistamines. The type of antihistamine needed will depend on the reaction or condition being treated.
Types
H1 blockers are a type of antihistamine used to treat allergies. This class of antihistamine also treats:
WarningFirst-generation antihistamine overdose causes toxicity and can be fatal.
Warning
First-generation antihistamine overdose causes toxicity and can be fatal.
The second type of antihistamine is known as H2 blockers or H2 receptor antagonists.H2-blockers are used to treat gastrointestinal conditions. H2-blockers may be used in the treatment of the following conditions or symptoms:
Heartburn vs. Acid Reflux vs. GERD: Everything You Need to Know
Examples of common H2 blockers include:
What Are Corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are steroid medications used to treat overactive immune system activity.
Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticosteroid UsesGlucocorticosteroids are used in the treatment chronic inflammatory health conditions such as:Rheumatoid arthritisInflammatory bowel disease(IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitisLupusVasculitis (blood vessel inflammation)AsthmaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Glucocorticosteroid Uses
Glucocorticosteroids are used in the treatment chronic inflammatory health conditions such as:Rheumatoid arthritisInflammatory bowel disease(IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitisLupusVasculitis (blood vessel inflammation)AsthmaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Glucocorticosteroids are used in the treatment chronic inflammatory health conditions such as:
Examples of glucocorticoids include:
Mineralocorticoid
Mineralocorticoids are a class of drugs designed to help regulate water and salt in the body. They work on theadrenal cortex part of the adrenal gland. Mineralocorticoids are used in the treatment of adrenal fatigue and kidney disease.
What Is Adrenal Fatigue?
What’s the Difference Between Antihistamines and Corticosteroids?
The following are the side effects of antihistamines and corticosteroids.
Antihistamines Side Effects
Side effects associated with antihistamine use will vary depending on whether you’re taking first- or second-generation antihistamines. Side effects will also vary depending on whether you’re taking H1 or H2 blockers. Side effects of nasal antihistamines include sneezing and upper respiratory infection.
First-generation histamines have the following common side effects:
While side effects can occur, one review of medical literature found most second-generation antihistamines are well-tolerated and serious side effects are rare.
Side effects associated with second-generation antihistamines include:
Side effects of H2 blocker antihistamines tend to be rare but may include:
Adverse Reaction to a Medication or Drug
Corticosteroid Side Effects
Short-term side effects of taking corticosteroids include:
Experts say the anti-inflammatory properties of glucocorticoids are useful for short-term use in most cases, but chronic and systemic use usually causes side effects, and results in reducing sensitivity to the medication.
Long-term or high-dose side effects from corticosteroids can include a series of side effects leading to other health complications, including:
Prednisone Side Effects: Everything You Need to Know
The following are drug interactions to be aware of when taking antihistamines and corticosteroids. Speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Antihistamines interact with other medications and substances, causing drowsiness or excessive fatigue.
This includes over-the-counter and prescription-strength medications such as:
Antihistamines can also interact with antipsychotics and some drugs to prevent vomiting, such as Compro (prochlorperazine) and Promethazine DM (promethazine and dextromethorphan).
Corticosteroids may interact with medications, impacting the digestive system and metabolism. These include Nizoral (ketoconazole) and Norvir or Kaletra (ritonavir).
If you’re unsure if a medication interacts with antihistamines or corticosteroids, you canask a pharmacist to review your medication list.
WarningConsuming more than one type of antihistamine at a time without directions from a medical provider is not safe. Antihistamine overdose can cause seizures, hallucinations, and heart attacks, and can be fatal.Moreover, antihistamines and corticosteroids may contain additional medicinal ingredients such as decongestants. Taking more than one type of decongestant increases your risk of overdose. Always check the labels of new and old medications to prevent doubling up on dosage.
Consuming more than one type of antihistamine at a time without directions from a medical provider is not safe. Antihistamine overdose can cause seizures, hallucinations, and heart attacks, and can be fatal.Moreover, antihistamines and corticosteroids may contain additional medicinal ingredients such as decongestants. Taking more than one type of decongestant increases your risk of overdose. Always check the labels of new and old medications to prevent doubling up on dosage.
Summary
Antihistamines and corticosteroids work to reduce immune system activity. Antihistamines block histamine action that occurs from allergies. Corticosteroids work on additional chemicals involved in the immune system and inflammatory processes. Types of antihistamines include first and second-generation and nasal antihistamines. Types of corticosteroids include synthetic corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids.
Side effects of antihistamines depend on type, with second-generation antihistamines having fewer side effects than first-generation drugs. Corticosteroid side effects include fluid retention and weight gain. Antihistamines interact with other medications causing drowsiness, antipsychotics, and some anti-vomiting medications. Corticosteroids interact with drugs affecting metabolism. If you have questions about a certain medication interacting with an antihistamine or corticosteroid, consult a pharmacist.
No. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are not the same. Antihistamines are medications that reduce histamine activity related to allergies. Corticosteroids are medications that reduce immune system activity associated with chronic conditions causing chronic inflammation.Learn MoreHow Allergies Are Treated
No. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are not the same. Antihistamines are medications that reduce histamine activity related to allergies. Corticosteroids are medications that reduce immune system activity associated with chronic conditions causing chronic inflammation.
Learn MoreHow Allergies Are Treated
It’s generally OK to take antihistamines and corticosteroids at the same time, depending on your symptoms and if your healthcare provider advises it. However, taking more than one antihistamine at a time can lead to dangerous health complications unless under the careful direction of a medical provider.Learn MoreAntihistamines and How They’re Used
It’s generally OK to take antihistamines and corticosteroids at the same time, depending on your symptoms and if your healthcare provider advises it. However, taking more than one antihistamine at a time can lead to dangerous health complications unless under the careful direction of a medical provider.
Learn MoreAntihistamines and How They’re Used
Some antihistamines and/or corticosteroids are recommended to treat certain conditions during pregnancy. It is important to ask your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy.
Yes. Research suggests nasal steroids are better than antihistamines for reducing symptoms of nasal allergy or allergic rhinitis. Nasal steroids performed better in improving sleep, daytime sleepiness, sneezing, itchiness, and congestion. This suggests nasal steroids can be the first option for treating nasal allergy.Learn MoreNasal Sprays Types and How to Use Them
Yes. Research suggests nasal steroids are better than antihistamines for reducing symptoms of nasal allergy or allergic rhinitis. Nasal steroids performed better in improving sleep, daytime sleepiness, sneezing, itchiness, and congestion. This suggests nasal steroids can be the first option for treating nasal allergy.
Learn MoreNasal Sprays Types and How to Use Them
Learn MoreSkin Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
The medicine that is best for allergies will depend on the cause of the allergic reaction. However, generally speaking, second- generation antihistamines and nasal steroids are best for allergies. Consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for additional information specific to your health needs.Learn MoreHow Food Allergies Are Treated
The medicine that is best for allergies will depend on the cause of the allergic reaction. However, generally speaking, second- generation antihistamines and nasal steroids are best for allergies. Consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for additional information specific to your health needs.
Learn MoreHow Food Allergies Are Treated
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Antihistamines for allergies.MedLine Plus.Antihistamines.Malone M, Kennedy TM.Review: Side effects of some commonly used allergy medications (decongestants, anti-leukotriene agents, antihistamines, steroids, and zinc) and their safety in pregnancy.Int J Aller Medications. 2017;3:024.Cleveland Clinic.Antihistamines.Gensler LS.Glucocorticoids: complications to anticipate and prevent.The Neurohospitalist. 2013;3(2):92-97. doi:10.1177/1941874412458678Gladness Dakalo Nethathe, Jeremy Cohen, Jeffrey Lipman, Ronald Anderson, Charles Feldman.Mineralocorticoid dysfunction during critical illness: A review of the evidence.Anesthesiology2020; 133:439–457 doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000003365Yang R, Yu Y.Glucocorticoids are double-edged sword in the treatment of COVID-19 and cancers.Int J Biol Sci. 2021;17(6):1530-1537. doi:10.7150/ijbs.58695Mayo Clinic.Antihistamine, decongestant, and analgesic combination (oral route).NHS Inform.Corticosteroids.Poison Control.Safe use of antihistamines.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?Berlin JM, Golden SJ, Teets S, Lehman EB, Lucas T, Craig TJ.Efficacy of a steroid nasal spray compared with an antihistamine nasal spray in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2000;100(7 Suppl):S8-S13.Hunto ST, Kim HN, Baek KS, Jeong D, Kim E, Kim JH, Cho JY.Loratadine, an antihistamine drug, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of the NF-kB pathway.Biomedical pharmacology. 2020;177:113949. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113949
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Antihistamines for allergies.MedLine Plus.Antihistamines.Malone M, Kennedy TM.Review: Side effects of some commonly used allergy medications (decongestants, anti-leukotriene agents, antihistamines, steroids, and zinc) and their safety in pregnancy.Int J Aller Medications. 2017;3:024.Cleveland Clinic.Antihistamines.Gensler LS.Glucocorticoids: complications to anticipate and prevent.The Neurohospitalist. 2013;3(2):92-97. doi:10.1177/1941874412458678Gladness Dakalo Nethathe, Jeremy Cohen, Jeffrey Lipman, Ronald Anderson, Charles Feldman.Mineralocorticoid dysfunction during critical illness: A review of the evidence.Anesthesiology2020; 133:439–457 doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000003365Yang R, Yu Y.Glucocorticoids are double-edged sword in the treatment of COVID-19 and cancers.Int J Biol Sci. 2021;17(6):1530-1537. doi:10.7150/ijbs.58695Mayo Clinic.Antihistamine, decongestant, and analgesic combination (oral route).NHS Inform.Corticosteroids.Poison Control.Safe use of antihistamines.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?Berlin JM, Golden SJ, Teets S, Lehman EB, Lucas T, Craig TJ.Efficacy of a steroid nasal spray compared with an antihistamine nasal spray in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2000;100(7 Suppl):S8-S13.Hunto ST, Kim HN, Baek KS, Jeong D, Kim E, Kim JH, Cho JY.Loratadine, an antihistamine drug, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of the NF-kB pathway.Biomedical pharmacology. 2020;177:113949. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113949
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Antihistamines for allergies.MedLine Plus.Antihistamines.Malone M, Kennedy TM.Review: Side effects of some commonly used allergy medications (decongestants, anti-leukotriene agents, antihistamines, steroids, and zinc) and their safety in pregnancy.Int J Aller Medications. 2017;3:024.Cleveland Clinic.Antihistamines.Gensler LS.Glucocorticoids: complications to anticipate and prevent.The Neurohospitalist. 2013;3(2):92-97. doi:10.1177/1941874412458678Gladness Dakalo Nethathe, Jeremy Cohen, Jeffrey Lipman, Ronald Anderson, Charles Feldman.Mineralocorticoid dysfunction during critical illness: A review of the evidence.Anesthesiology2020; 133:439–457 doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000003365Yang R, Yu Y.Glucocorticoids are double-edged sword in the treatment of COVID-19 and cancers.Int J Biol Sci. 2021;17(6):1530-1537. doi:10.7150/ijbs.58695Mayo Clinic.Antihistamine, decongestant, and analgesic combination (oral route).NHS Inform.Corticosteroids.Poison Control.Safe use of antihistamines.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?Berlin JM, Golden SJ, Teets S, Lehman EB, Lucas T, Craig TJ.Efficacy of a steroid nasal spray compared with an antihistamine nasal spray in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2000;100(7 Suppl):S8-S13.Hunto ST, Kim HN, Baek KS, Jeong D, Kim E, Kim JH, Cho JY.Loratadine, an antihistamine drug, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of the NF-kB pathway.Biomedical pharmacology. 2020;177:113949. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113949
MedlinePlus.Antihistamines for allergies.
MedLine Plus.Antihistamines.
Malone M, Kennedy TM.Review: Side effects of some commonly used allergy medications (decongestants, anti-leukotriene agents, antihistamines, steroids, and zinc) and their safety in pregnancy.Int J Aller Medications. 2017;3:024.
Cleveland Clinic.Antihistamines.
Gensler LS.Glucocorticoids: complications to anticipate and prevent.The Neurohospitalist. 2013;3(2):92-97. doi:10.1177/1941874412458678
Gladness Dakalo Nethathe, Jeremy Cohen, Jeffrey Lipman, Ronald Anderson, Charles Feldman.Mineralocorticoid dysfunction during critical illness: A review of the evidence.Anesthesiology2020; 133:439–457 doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000003365
Yang R, Yu Y.Glucocorticoids are double-edged sword in the treatment of COVID-19 and cancers.Int J Biol Sci. 2021;17(6):1530-1537. doi:10.7150/ijbs.58695
Mayo Clinic.Antihistamine, decongestant, and analgesic combination (oral route).
NHS Inform.Corticosteroids.
Poison Control.Safe use of antihistamines.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?
Berlin JM, Golden SJ, Teets S, Lehman EB, Lucas T, Craig TJ.Efficacy of a steroid nasal spray compared with an antihistamine nasal spray in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2000;100(7 Suppl):S8-S13.
Hunto ST, Kim HN, Baek KS, Jeong D, Kim E, Kim JH, Cho JY.Loratadine, an antihistamine drug, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of the NF-kB pathway.Biomedical pharmacology. 2020;177:113949. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113949
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