Mast cell stabilizers against hay fever
Topically administered, i.e. inhaled steroids (cortisone), whose mechanism of action lies in the reduction of the new formation of inflammation-promoting messengers and cell-damaging enzymes, also play an important role in the treatment of asthma. Steroids (cortisone) are among the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs of all; the price, however, is a significantly higher number of undesirable side effects, the severity of which depends on the dose administered, the type of intake and the duration of use. Although the following side effects are known to occur after long-term use of steroids as tablets (i.e. orally) or intravenously, they practically never occur with inhalation or with cortisone nasal spray, as the absorption into the body’s circulation is negligible and the steroids thus only act locally: Examples of steroids taken by inhalation are
- These include bone loss (medical term: osteoporosis), and in children, delayed growth in length,
- An elevated blood pressure (medical term: hypertension),
- An increased blood sugar level up to diabetes mellitus has been observed.
- Psychological changes in the form of increased aggressiveness or depression and
- Clouding of the normally transparent cornea of the eye (medical term: cornea).
- Beclomethasone
- Budesonide
- Fluticasone
These medicines for hay fever are available without prescription
A common over-the-counter remedy for hay fever is cetirizine. This is used for a variety of allergies. Cetirizine is the active ingredient, which can be purchased under different trade names in pharmacies.
In addition to cetirizine, drugs with the active ingredient loratadine can also be used against hay fever. Another drug is azelastine. This is often used in the form of eye drops.
Cromoglicic acid and levocabastine are also used in various eye or nasal sprays for therapy. All drugs listed in this paragraph belong to the group of antihistamines. Histamine is a messenger substance in the body that mediates allergic reactions.
Antihistamines prevent this. They can be used as tablets, eye or nasal sprays. Eye drops with an active ingredient from the antihistamine group are used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, including Livocab® eye drops.