Antihistamines
There are many antihistamines with several different applications. There are antihistamines that work well for itching, for excess production of stomach acid, for hives and some that work to counteract the histamine released with nasal allergies. The three main antihistamines are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorphineramine (Chlortrimeton), and brompheniramine (Dimetane).
The antihistamines sold over the counter have a potential of causing sedation in roughly fifty percent of patients; the less sedating prescription products cause sedation in only ten to twenty percent of patients. There is a debate as to whether the prescription products are any more efficacious, especially in children.
Occasionally, a child experiences an atypical reaction and becomes almost agitated with antihistamines.
In as much as there seems to be no particular advantage of one over the other, the best preparation that the one that is most effective, most palatable with the least number of adverse effects.
Wonderful discussion on antihistamines available here.
