Some Antihistamines
Drug | Degree of Anticholinergic Effects* | Degree of Drowsiness† |
|---|---|---|
Nonprescription (over-the-counter) | ||
Moderate | Some | |
Few to none | Little to none in most people and moderate in some people | |
Moderate | Some | |
Strong | Moderate | |
Few to none | Little to none | |
Strong | Extreme | |
Few to none | Little to none | |
Few to none | Little to none | |
Prescription | ||
Acrivastine‡ | Few to none | Little to none |
Few to none | Some | |
Moderate | Some | |
Moderate | Some | |
Moderate | Extreme | |
Few to none | Little to none | |
Mizolastine | Few to none | Little to none |
Strong | Extreme | |
* Anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty with urination, confusion, and light-headedness (particularly after a person stands up). Older people are particularly susceptible to these effects. | ||
† The degree of drowsiness varies, depending on the dose, other active ingredients in the formulation (as in formulations that contain a decongestant plus an antihistamine), and the person. | ||