HomeAnswersDermatologyurticariaWhat is the recommended duration to take antihistamines for urticaria or hives?

I am taking antihistamines for urticaria; the redness on my skin has disappeared. Can I stop taking the medicines?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At February 18, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 7, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have urticaria or hives and have been under antihistamines for five weeks. For the last six days, I had to take a high dose of tablet Fexofenadine Hydrochloride 180 mg four times daily. The redness on my skin has disappeared. Can I stop taking the medicines? If so, should it be done gradually, and how? Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is not safe to abruptly stop the antihistamines (medications for allergy); the best way is to taper it down gradually. As you take tablet Fexofenadine 180 mg four times daily, make it thrice daily for two days, then twice daily for two days, and once daily for the two consecutive days. Then, make it 120 mg once daily for a week and stop. However, after stopping the antihistamine, wait for a week and do a skin prick test (checks for immediate allergic reactions to many different substances at the same time) as it is important to rule out the cause for urticaria (a skin rash triggered as a response to food, medicines or other irritants). I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. I believe it was caused by tablet Ibuprofen, which previously I have had a hives reaction to.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is good that you have identified the cause, so there is nothing to worry about. Take care. Revert for further queries.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. Perhaps I have a few follow-up questions that I need your help on; I was recommended to stop doing sports, having wine, which I occasionally do, and avoiding having high histamine foods during the treatment. Can I start them again? Please guide.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You can start doing sports, and I suggest you have wine occasionally not exceeding one or two glasses, for a few weeks. You may also have foods high in histamine (such as fermented foods, dairy products, avocados, spinach, etc.), but I suggest you start slowly over days. I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shyam Kalyan. N
Dr. Shyam Kalyan. N

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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