Do hay fever tablets raise risk of dementia?

hay fever tablets dementia

Alarming headlines in several UK newspapers and news websites this week (27 January 2015) claiming a US study concluded common hay fever tablets available over the counter raise the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

While there are significant findings in the study, the news reporting was not entirely accurate according to NHS ‘Behind the headlines’ (page now removed). Much of the reporting failed to highlight the study focus was on prescribed medicine for over 65s only; some brand name drugs contain different ingredients in the US to the UK; and other limitations of the study findings.

Although some of the drugs can be bought over the counter, the study only included prescribed medicines which have an anticholinergic effect, including some antihistamines, antidepressants and drugs for an overactive bladder, and concludes those over 65s taking the highest levels of anticholinergic prescribed medicines were at a higher risk of developing dementia compared with those not taking any.

Some of the medicine brands also contain different ingredients in the UK than the US: Benadryl and Piriteze do not contain ingredients identified in the study as causes of concern. Read in full

Dymista spray for hay fever

dymista

Dymista: New Spray for Allergic Rhinitis

Dymista is a nasal spray used to control the symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis (allergic nasal inflammation). The spray treats a runny and blocked nose, sneezing and itching. Relief of symptoms usually starts within 30 minutes of using Dymista. Dymista is most effective when the spray is used regularly for at least a few days.

Ingredients and action

Dymista combines two medicines in one treatment. It is has a dual action. It contains a fast acting antihistamine called azelastine and a steroid called fluticasone.

Azelastine usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes. It takes a few days of regular use for the steroid part of the spray to reduce inflammation. Symptom control is likely to be fast and to improve over a few days, providing Dymista is used regularly. Read in full

Posted on in Hay fever