Can previous intake of antihisimines prevent anaphhylaxis? Can taking a Claritin provide a buffer to shock?

Question:

For example, if a person is taking Claritin, an antihistamine, and is allergic to seafood (will go into anaphylaxis if eaten), will the Claritin provide any soft of protection or dampening of symptoms of the anaphalatic shock.

Answers:
I am an asthma/allergy nurse specialist.

1. Taking Claritin will NOT stave off anaphylaxis. It may buy you a few minutes, but that's about it. Benadryl won't do a heck of a lot either to prevent anaphylaxis.

2. As someone said.you need to carry an EpiPen with you AT ALL TIMES. And if you use it, it is an automatic call to 911. The medication in an EpiPen only lasts for about 20 minutes, tops. That's just enough time for medical personnel to get to you.but it's not enough time for you to get to them. Understand? I had to revive a child whose mom decided she could get him to the hospital faster than the ambulance. She was wrong. She got caught in traffic and her son almost lost his life.

3. Get a medic-alert bracelet.

4. Have you seen the movie "Hitch"? Where he eats the seafood and has a reaction? He starts swelling up like crazy and is having trouble breathing.They go to the store and he starts sucking down Benadryl.and then he's fine. THIS IS A FAIRY TALE. It doesn't happen like this. Trust me on this one.

5. Early symptoms of anaphylaxis can be very subtle.like a tickle in your throat or the urge to clear your throat, or a little cough. Often these are the very start of it. If you wait until the swelling and trouble breathing come along.you're a day late and a dollar short, my friend. Anaphylaxis is one eight-ball you do NOT want to get behind.

Other Answers:
Chances are that if you are allergic enough to something that you get anaphalactic shock from it, a claritin is going to do absolutely nothing.

Perhaps, but your best bet would lie with Benedryl.

Claritin is a different class of antihistamine. It is Lortadine, where Benedryl is Diphenhydramine.

I would say that if you're allergic to seafood, you should stock up on the Benedryl. Take two, and get your butt to the hospital.

OK - get your b*** to the doctor and get your prescription for an Epipen renewed!
If you are at risk for anaphylactic shock you should get your emergency kit updated - it usually contains a variety of medications like 1 or 2 Epipens and Zyrtec. Your allergy doctor knows what is best for you to have on hand. As soon as you use the kit call 911. DO NOT WAIT. Seriously, this is not something to joke about.

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Can previous intake of antihisimines prevent anaphhylaxis? Can taking a Claritin provide a buffer to shock?

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