Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and side-effects of common allergy medications. Methodology: A literature search was undertaken. We searched the databases of Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE databases, and Cochrane Library from 1990 to October 2016, using key words: Allergy, Medications, Antihistamines, Decongestants, Montelukast, Side effects, Adverse Events, Adverse, Effects, Zinc, Steroids, Pregnancy, Reviews, RCT, and Case Report. Results: Antihistamines can cause undesired anti-cholinergic effects including mydraisais, sedation, dry eyes, dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention. Significant overdose of antihistamines can cause serious toxicity and even death. Cetirizine or loratadine are preferred based on their good safety profile and recommendation in multiple guidelines during pregnancy. Side effects are more common with oral decongestants than with topical sprays. Decongestant side-effects include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, restlessness, anxiety, hallucinations, seizure, psychosis, headache, urinary dysfunction, stroke, intracranial bleed, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction. Anti-leukotriene agents, topical steroids, and intranasal steroids are generally well tolerated. Intranasal zinc has been reported to cause zinc-induced anosmia syndrome which is characterized by nasal burning followed by anosmia and can be distinguished from post-viral anosmia based on history. Conclusion: Although serious side-effects can occur, the majority of the common allergy medications reviewed in this article was well-tolerated and had only rare serious side effects.

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