How long should antihistamines be taken for hives before stopping?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Hives manifest as wheals on the skin, accompanied by itching and angioedema. These symptoms may gradually disappear within minutes or hours without leaving marks, but they tend to recur repeatedly. Symptoms can usually be relieved with antiallergic medications, which also help prevent recurrence. Medication should generally be taken for a complete course to reduce the likelihood of relapse. Therefore, antiallergic drugs for hives are typically taken for 7 to 10 days before discontinuation.
Hives usually require 7 to 10 days of antihistamine treatment before discontinuation, which helps reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Patients with hives typically develop skin welts of varying sizes, accompanied by symptoms such as itching. Some individuals may also experience angioedema. The lesions may gradually disappear within minutes or hours without leaving any marks, but they can recur repeatedly. Antiallergic medications are commonly used to relieve these uncomfortable symptoms and help prevent disease relapse. To minimize the risk of recurrence, it's generally necessary to follow a full course of treatment as prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, antiallergic medication for hives should typically be taken continuously for 7–10 days before stopping; failing to complete the full course may increase the chance of recurrence.
Patients with hives can follow medical advice in using antiallergic drugs to alleviate symptoms. Commonly used medications include cetirizine, loratadine, and olopatadine. During treatment, it is important to drink plenty of water, maintain clean and hygienic skin, and avoid spicy or irritating foods.
