Jump to content

  • You are not alone. Join Celiac.com for trusted gluten-free answers and forum support.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

Allergy Medicine Help

gfpdx
 Share

Recommended Posts

gfpdx Rookie
gfpdx
Posted

Can anyone recommend a gluten-free antihistamine? My seasonal allergy symptoms are sneezing, runny nose, ithcy eyes. In the past I have used Chlortrimeton, or a generic. Benadryl makes me too sleepy. This is my first Spring since celiac diagnosis and my allergies are bothering me, so I am grateful for any advice.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

Claritin is gluten-free--I use it often this time of year :)

ang1e0251 Contributor
ang1e0251
Posted

I use Antihistab the Walmart in house brand with no problem. No sleepy side affects either.

gfpdx Rookie
gfpdx
Posted
  • Author
Claritin is gluten-free--I use it often this time of year :)

Thank you. It is encouraging to know there are safe products to help relieve my symptoms.

hermitgirl Contributor
hermitgirl
Posted

Zyrtec is also gluten free. Still trying to find a nasal spray that is gluten free though.

larry mac Enthusiast
larry mac
Posted

Which allergy medicines are not gluten-free?

best regards, lm

Roda Rising Star
Roda
Posted
Zyrtec is also gluten free. Still trying to find a nasal spray that is gluten free though.

Are you refering to an afrin type of nasal spray? Regular saline is quite effective for allergies since it clears out the passages. You need to do it a few times a day. Works wonders on my boys.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


hermitgirl Contributor
hermitgirl
Posted

more like the steroid nasal spray. i used to use flonase but it was way too drying for my sinuses and was always giving me nosebleeds. my dr just prescribed nasacort aq, but according to the manufacturer, the polysorbate 80 that is used as the moisturizer is made from wheat, but supposedly still is gluten free. i did cave yesterday as my allergies have gone bezerk, and used it. so far no reaction...

certain forms of pills are made using wheat starch, many prescriptions seem to have that issue, as my pharmacist has had to spend quite a bit of time helping me find safe versions of what i used to use. My last two prescriptions have had to be changed as there wasn't any form available that wasn't gluten free.

dadoffiveboys Rookie
dadoffiveboys
Posted

I use Allegra (available via prescription only) and it seemed to be more 'powerful' than claritin and zyrtec. HOWEVER, because of the new medical insurance rules, I had to TRY both claritin and zyrtec (that month SUCKED) before they allowed reimbursement for Allegra.

However, you really need allergy testing because the antihistamines usually only work well if you are 'truly' allergic. If you are not and just 'irritated', then medicines like Flonase and such are a better bet that help keep the sinus cavities from being dry.

ksymonds84 Enthusiast
ksymonds84
Posted
more like the steroid nasal spray. i used to use flonase but it was way too drying for my sinuses and was always giving me nosebleeds. my dr just prescribed nasacort aq, but according to the manufacturer, the polysorbate 80 that is used as the moisturizer is made from wheat, but supposedly still is gluten free. i did cave yesterday as my allergies have gone bezerk, and used it. so far no reaction...

certain forms of pills are made using wheat starch, many prescriptions seem to have that issue, as my pharmacist has had to spend quite a bit of time helping me find safe versions of what i used to use. My last two prescriptions have had to be changed as there wasn't any form available that wasn't gluten free.

I've been using Zicam allergy swabs (for the nasal passage) and so far they have been working great! They are homeopathic so no heavy duty chemicals. I researched and someone else called them and Zicam states all their products are gluten free. The only downside is that they are 12.00 for twenty swabs. I admit that I use the same swab all day, I just re-tape it when I am done (you only insert it 1/4 inch into each nostril and then lightly press on the side of each nostril) and you can also go to their website for a 1.00 off coupon.

hermitgirl Contributor
hermitgirl
Posted

Ok, so for anyone who needs future reference, Nasacort AQ NOT safe. They did say that they do not make a claim that they are gluten free.They just have "no detectable amount of gluten". I am going to go hide now. Not doing well.

ang1e0251 Contributor
ang1e0251
Posted

Be careful taking Zicam if you are prone to headaches. I know two people who took Zicam and it triggered migraines for them.

ksymonds84 Enthusiast
ksymonds84
Posted
Be careful taking Zicam if you are prone to headaches. I know two people who took Zicam and it triggered migraines for them.

I've heard this too. Its very important to never snort Zicam. Its meant to only be inserted 1/4 inch into the nostril then pressed gently on the side for the nose to absorb it. With the squirt type your supposed to tilt up so that it doesn't shoot up nasal cavity and again gently press on the side of the nostril. Haven't had any problems with migraines (and am prone to get them) but keep it in mind when considering this product.

brigala Explorer
brigala
Posted

I use Singulair, which is gluten-free, and either Zyrtec or Allegra. I also use Visene-A for "allergy eyes," and when it gets really bad I add benadryl on top of it all at bedtime.

dadoffiveboys Rookie
dadoffiveboys
Posted
I use Singulair, which is gluten-free, and either Zyrtec or Allegra. I also use Visene-A for "allergy eyes," and when it gets really bad I add benadryl on top of it all at bedtime.

Only thing to watch for - if you have milk problems, Zyrtec (namebrand) has milk in it.. generic zyrtec does NOT have milk ingredients. (It's part of the inactive ingredients). Allegra I do believe has no allergens at all in the ingredients.

  • 1 month later...
jaykilo Newbie
jaykilo
Posted

I just called the 1-800 number on the zyrtec bottle and they told me that Zyrtec DOES HAVE gluten in it.

Takala Enthusiast
Takala
Posted

I noticed that the benedryl boxes have changed and the cute little dry powdered, gelatin capsules I have taken for years for emergencies, (not to mention you can give this to a horse in an emergency, don't laugh) have now been replaced in stores with this liquidgel ****. I am not a happy camper. I despise trendy stuff done for no reason. Does anyone know if this liquidgel **** is also gluten free ? I cannot find anything definitive on the web as to ingredients- where is the stuff being made now?- Hey Benedryl, your website is really annoying.

hermitgirl Contributor
hermitgirl
Posted
I just called the 1-800 number on the zyrtec bottle and they told me that Zyrtec DOES HAVE gluten in it.

I am guessing they have changed an ingredient, as they used to be gluten free. I haven't taken it for a while now, so good to know.

I noticed that the benedryl boxes have changed and the cute little dry powdered, gelatin capsules I have taken for years for emergencies, (not to mention you can give this to a horse in an emergency, don't laugh) have now been replaced in stores with this liquidgel ****. I am not a happy camper. I despise trendy stuff done for no reason. Does anyone know if this liquidgel **** is also gluten free ? I cannot find anything definitive on the web as to ingredients- where is the stuff being made now?- Hey Benedryl, your website is really annoying.

Call the 800 number on the box. I know they are manufactured by the same company that makes Tylenol, and the last list they sent me of safe things didn't have anything with the word "liquid" in them. I have noticed that in the past, any form with the word "gel" was not on safe lists....

  • 2 weeks later...
smalltownslackermom Newbie
smalltownslackermom
Posted

I like me some Allegra but I only take it in the daytime if things are really bad. It is the least sleepy-feeling for me. even claritin makes me drowsy.

At nighttime, and here is my current dilemma, I take generic benadryls. but I took two last night and could barely wake up this morning! ok, shouldn't do that but I checked the ingredients list just in case and they are Sam's CLub "Member's Mark Allergy Tablets" and they contain "starch". that's it. Do I know if that is corn or wheat or potato or just a who-knows-what blend?

Nasal sprays - I also recommend the plain old saline solution. You can make your own really easily any time you run out - sea salt non-iodized and a little baking soda. google for the recipe. I used to use Nasalcrom, a steroid. I think long term use of that did not help me.

Acoording to the Walgreens list posted here:

http://www.glutenfreedrugs.com/

the Walgreens house brand is gluten-free but there's no Walgreen's near me. :( Any ideas for obtaining gluten-free diphenhydramine hydrochloride?

  • 1 year later...
karalto Newbie
karalto
Posted

Singulair & Zyrtec as combination allow me to function with pet and environmental allergens without tummy trouble! Check with your health care provider to see if you can use both.

  • 7 years later...
johndolan Newbie
johndolan
Posted

Try Allerless.

Its natural & gluten free. Easily available on Amazon or can order directly through the website.

  • 2 years later...
Lynnrk Newbie
Lynnrk
Posted
On 4/8/2009 at 10:15 AM, larry mac said:

Which allergy medicines are not gluten-free?

 

best regards, lm

I have reacted to Zyrtek gel cap, walgreen brand zyrtek and a generic I bought from Amazon.

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

I

45 minutes ago, Lynnrk said:

I have reacted to Zyrtek gel cap, walgreen brand zyrtek and a generic I bought from Amazon.

I use the Costco brand of Zyrtec.  It is gluten free.  How are you reacting?  Could it be the inactive ingredients like corn?  

Lynnrk Newbie
Lynnrk
Posted
1 hour ago, cyclinglady said:

I

I use the Costco brand of Zyrtec.  It is gluten free.  How are you reacting?  Could it be the inactive ingredients like corn?  

I don't have any problems with anything but gluten. I'm quite sensitive and can also react from cross contamination.

 

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
1 hour ago, Lynnrk said:

I don't have any problems with anything but gluten. I'm quite sensitive and can also react from cross contamination.

 

If you seriously have had a gluten reaction, you should contact the FDA.  With the pandemic, there has been issues with many medications.  But normally, this is one of my go-to medications as I have bouts of autoimmune hives.   It is even recommended by Jebby an old member who has celiac disease, mast cell activation syndrome  and she is a medical doctor.  It is pretty much the only medication I take besides my thyroid because I react to things like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc. that cause swelling, hives, passing out, vomiting, abdominal pain.  This is not a “celiac” reaction.  

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Scott Adams
      0

      Gluten-Free Bulgogi Beef: A Sweet and Savory Korean Barbecue Favorite

    2. xxnonamexx
      - xxnonamexx posted a topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      0

      Breakfast ideas besides oatmeal as Avenin can be gluten?

      I read gluten-free oatmeal Avenin can cause gluten like symptoms. I read Bobs Redmill gluten-free creamy buckwheat cereal and Millet are good alternatives with ultra low heavy metals, mold but it seems it takes longer to prepare the minute oats. What have you changed your breakfast to.
    3. RMJ
      - RMJ replied to Ginger38's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      5

      The Struggle Has Overtaken Me

      Ginger38, that sounds very difficult. Each dietary restriction makes it harder to figure out what to eat. Before my celiac diagnosis I already watched out for my cholesterol level and migraine triggers, but those are much easier than diabetes restrictions. One “bad” meal isn’t that much of a problem for cholesterol levels, and my migraines only happened if I ...
    4. Aretaeus Cappadocia
      - Aretaeus Cappadocia replied to Ginger38's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      5

      The Struggle Has Overtaken Me

      Reading the original post on this thread made me think of "How To Eat An Elephant". The key point is that a whole, big problem can seem insurmountable but if you break it into bite-sized pieces it is much easier to accomplish. Here is the google description. It's not bad: If you're facing a daunting goal, you can use these steps to "eat your elephant...
    5. Aretaeus Cappadocia
      - Aretaeus Cappadocia replied to Xravith's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      Gluten challenge - Need some guidance

      I don't know the answer to your question any better than a google search, but I am sure someone else will step up and answer. I am popping up to recommend that you keep a careful diary (in case you weren't already). Try to catalog what you are eating and experiencing. Bring a copy to your next visit (and if you have access to the Dr, also send a copy...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      134,180
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      10,442
    Nancy sirois
    Newest Member
    Nancy sirois
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.7k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • xxnonamexx
      Breakfast ideas besides oatmeal as Avenin can be gluten?

      By xxnonamexx · Posted

      I read gluten-free oatmeal Avenin can cause gluten like symptoms. I read Bobs Redmill gluten-free creamy buckwheat cereal and Millet are good alternatives with ultra low heavy metals, mold but it seems it takes longer to prepare the minute oats. What have you changed your breakfast to.
    • RMJ
      The Struggle Has Overtaken Me

      By RMJ · Posted

      Ginger38, that sounds very difficult.  Each dietary restriction makes it harder to figure out what to eat. Before my celiac diagnosis I already watched out for my cholesterol level and migraine triggers, but those are much easier than diabetes restrictions. One “bad” meal isn’t that much of a problem for cholesterol levels, and my migraines only happened if I consistently ate the triggers. After many years I’ve figured out how to bake gluten free but I think many recipes have more starch which wouldn’t work for diabetes. If you go with the elephant eating analogy, I think the first portion to work on would be the diabetes, since the immediate consequences of not being careful (passing out from low blood sugar, or diabetic coma from high blood sugar) are so severe. The next portion would be celiac. The serious consequences aren’t as immediate, but if you have celiac disease, I think of eating gluten like a booster shot - revving up the immune system, but to attack yourself leading to long term damage. It sounds like you are experiencing this damage now. I did a google search on “gluten free food for diabetics” and a number of sites with advice came up.  If your insurance will cover it and you can find one, a registered dietician who knows about both diabetes and celiac disease might help you figure out what to eat safely. Hopefully my post will both scare and encourage you, as requested, with a big dose of compassion because this sounds very difficult and you are clearly suffering.
    • Aretaeus Cappadocia
      The Struggle Has Overtaken Me

      By Aretaeus Cappadocia · Posted

      Reading the original post on this thread made me think of "How To Eat An Elephant". The key point is that a whole, big problem can seem insurmountable but if you break it into bite-sized pieces it is much easier to accomplish. Here is the google description. It's not bad: If you're facing a daunting goal, you can use these steps to "eat your elephant": Identify the Elephant: Clearly define the large project or goal that feels overwhelming. Break it Down: Divide the major task into smaller "bite-sized" pieces. If a piece still feels too big, break it down further. Prioritize: Decide which "bite" to take first based on necessity or impact. Focus on the Now: Instead of worrying about the whole animal, focus only on the single step you are taking right now. Maintain Consistency: Progress comes from taking the "next right step" every day until the task is complete. Celebrate Small Wins If I understood Ginger38's post correctly, you are facing the prospect of a gluten challenge, but you are already eating gluten on an intermittent basis. It also sounds like many of the symptoms you attribute to gluten consumption are in full expression. Step back and take a deep breath. Get a notebook and start a gluten-related diary. Don't try to make it perfect; just record what you can about food intake and what you experience as you go along. Talk to your Dr's office (nurse, Dr, whomever) about the challenge. The most rigorous challenge is for someone who has already gone truly gluten free but now needs a clear diagnosis. Someone who is already eating gluten should not need as much "challenge". Even at that, google describes an example challenge as 1-2 slice of bread or 1/2 cup of pasta a day. If that describes your existing diet you are already there. For the moment, try to focus on getting past the challenge and test. Once you have the results, start planning accordingly.
    • Aretaeus Cappadocia
      Gluten challenge - Need some guidance

      By Aretaeus Cappadocia · Posted

      I don't know the answer to your question any better than a google search, but I am sure someone else will step up and answer. I am popping up to recommend that you keep a careful diary (in case you weren't already). Try to catalog what you are eating and experiencing. Bring a copy to your next visit (and if you have access to the Dr, also send a copy a couple days in advance). Don't assume that they will read it. They might, but they also might be under tremendous time pressure and not get to it. Two other suggestions: if your healthcare provider has a web portal, sign on and search for "gluten challenge". They may have a standard page and Dr assumed you would find it on your own. If that doesn't work, call the Dr's office and ask the office for their official advice. You probably wouldn't need to speak to the Dr directly. There should be some nurse or staff member who could answer that
    • Xravith
      Gluten challenge - Need some guidance

      By Xravith · Posted

      After few months going gluten free, I decided to reintroduce gluten in my diet so I can do a proper diagnosis for Celiac disease. During the gluten free period I felt incredibly good. I stopped having hypoglycemia symptoms, I gained some muscle (Still, I am considerably underweight) and my anxiety totally disappeared. I felt totally like a new person. Now, I almost reached the second week of gluten challenge and all my symptoms are progressively coming back. The first days I was ok, just a bit of acid reflux I could control with medicines. However, after the first week I started to feel real stomach pain and tiredness, my face is growing acne and sometimes (specially when I walk) i feel painful migraines.  I am afraid If I am eating too much gluten or not enough, the "4 slices of bread" indication confuses me. I am actually eating 20 g of bread, 3 biscuits and 40 g of croissant each day. My doctor was not very specific when he gave me the medical order for the gluten challenge, so I invented my own daily gluten menu. Do you have any suggestions? 4 weeks will be enough to do the blood test with my current gluten intake?  Thank you
×
×
  • Create New...