Antihistamines
I’ve been a long-time hay fever sufferer. I also had a fair bit of allergic conjuctivitis in my younger years which I seem to be growing out of (finally!), though for the last 6 or so years dermographism has been a challenge too. You can just call me “Mr Healthy” :-)
Because of this, I have developed a more than average interest in antihistamines, and done a bit of research on the various “non-drowsy” over-the-counter products available in Australia.
The products are grouped by active ingredient, and then ordered by the most familiar brand name with that ingredient. As a rule, the best known brand is usually the most expensive – presumably you’re paying extra for all the marketing and colourful packaging.
Brand | Active Ingredient | Size | Dose | Price | Cost per tablet |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zyrtec | Cetirizine | 30 | 10mg | 21.95 | $ 0.73 |
Zodac | Cetirizine | 30 | 10mg | 9.95 | $ 0.33 |
Alzene | Cetirizine | 30 | 10mg | 17.95 | $ 0.60 |
Telfast | Fexofenadine | 30 | 180mg | 22.95 | $ 0.77 |
Xergic | Fexofenadine | 30 | 180mg | 21.95 | $ 0.73 |
Fexotabs | Fexofenadine | 50 | 180mg | 26.45 | $ 0.53 |
Fexal | Fexofenadine | 30 | 180mg | 15.95 | $ 0.53 |
Xyzal | Levocetirizine | 30 | 5mg | 22.95 | $ 0.77 |
Clarityne | Loratadine | 50 | 10mg | 36.95 | $ 0.74 |
Lorastyne | Loratadine | 50 | 10mg | 21.95 | $ 0.44 |
AllerEze | Loratadine | 50 | 10mg | 27.95 | $ 0.56 |
Chemists’ Own Loratadine | Loratadine | 50 | 10mg | 32.95 | $ 0.66 |
Aerius | Desloratadine | 28 | 5mg | 24.35 | $ 0.87 |
Note also, the prices I’ve quoted here are from online pharmacies based in Australia, such as Pharmacy Direct and Pharmacy Online (don’t forget to allow for postage). Buying the same identical product from a non-discount pharmacy may cost up to a 1/3 more.
I’ve tried all the main kinds, with varying degrees of success. I do think it is a good idea to swap products every few months as in my experience extended use of one specific antihistamine reduced its effectiveness (as though the body became desensitised to it).
Categories: Health