What can I use if I don't have an EpiPen?

Alternative brands to consider include:
  • AUVI-Q®. Available through a mail-order pharmacy, this brand offers adult, child and infant doses. ...
  • Adrenaclick. This device may cost slightly less than the EpiPen, but you have to order a trainer device separately, she says.
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What can you take if you don't have an EpiPen?

Q: What do you do if someone goes into anaphylactic shock without an EpiPen? A: Make sure that you've called 911. If antihistamines are on-hand, these can be administered and may provide some relief, but antihistamines are never a suitable medication for fully treating anaphylactic shock.
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Can you survive anaphylaxis without EpiPen?

It is possible to survive anaphylaxis without a shot of adrenaline, but it's a dangerous gamble. "There are times when people have had an anaphylaxis and they have not administered adrenaline and they've been lucky that it has self-limited," Ms Said said. "But more times a person will need adrenaline.
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Can Benadryl replace an EpiPen?

"Benadryl is not a replacement for epinephrine. Benadryl is an antihistamine. It can mask some symptoms, but it will not stop an allergic reaction from progressing. Epinephrine is the only drug that has been shown to do that," he said.
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Can Benadryl prevent anaphylactic shock?

“While the use of antihistamines might help some allergic symptoms such as rash or itching, those medications will not prevent death from anaphylaxis,” Dr.
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7 What happens if I administer my injector and I didn’t need to?



Is Claritin good for anaphylaxis?

This medication is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from "hay fever" and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives. Loratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
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How much Benadryl can I take for anaphylaxis?

Diphenhydramine — For adults and children ≥12 years of age, diphenhydramine 25 to 50 mg can be administered IV over 5 minutes, which may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours if necessary up to a maximum daily dose of 400 mg per 24 hours. Excessively rapid IV administration may increase hypotension [76].
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Can Benadryl stop allergic reaction?

An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), isn't sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in a severe reaction.
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Can you take Benadryl to prevent an allergic reaction?

Any allergy medicine can work as pretreatment, more or less. Antihistamines are an excellent choice, experts say. Examples of over-the-counter antihistamines are Benadryl or Claritin. Prescription antihistamines, like the nasal spray Astelin, are another option.
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Can you chew Benadryl in an emergency?

Swallow the capsule, tablet, and liquid filled capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it. Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet.
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How do you stop allergies immediately?

Try an over-the-counter remedy
  1. Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. ...
  2. Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications improve nasal symptoms. ...
  3. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray. ...
  4. Oral decongestants.
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Can anaphylaxis go away on it's own?

This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation called anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can be mild, and they may go away on their own (most anaphylactic reactions will require treatment). But it's difficult to predict if or how quickly they will get worse.
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Is Benadryl an antihistamine?

Benadryl. The first-generation antihistamine diphenhydramine is the main active ingredient in Benadryl. Benadryl helps relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and nose or throat itching. These symptoms may be due to hay fever, other upper respiratory allergies, or the common cold.
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How do you neutralize an allergic reaction?

Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Cover the area with a bandage. If there's swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. Take an antihistamine to reduce itching, swelling, and hives.
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What can I take for an allergic skin reaction?

Try these:
  • Hydrocortisone cream.
  • Ointments like calamine lotion.
  • Antihistamines.
  • Cold compresses.
  • Oatmeal baths.
  • Talk to your doctor about what's best for your specific rash. For example, corticosteroids are good for poison ivy, oak, and sumac. They can prescribe stronger medicines if needed, too.
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Is Benadryl or Claritin better for allergic reactions?

Claritin is usually recommended over Benadryl for allergic rhinitis and other allergy symptoms. Both drugs have similar effectiveness but Claritin has less sedating side effects. Claritin only needs to be taken once daily which may be preferred for some people.
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How fast does Benadryl work for itching?

Benadryl is absorbed quickly in the body. You'll probably notice the effects within about 20 to 30 minutes. The medicine should continue to work for about four to six hours. You should only take Benadryl for a short amount of time, unless your doctor tells you to take it for longer.
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How long does it take to go into anaphylactic shock?

Anaphylaxis symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Sometimes, however, anaphylaxis can occur a half-hour or longer after exposure. In rare cases, anaphylaxis may be delayed for hours.
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Does drinking water help an allergic reaction?

Because dehydration can influence the body's natural histamine response, making sure you drink enough water can be an effective way to help keep your histamine response in check.
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What home remedies can I use for allergies?

Home remedies for allergies
  1. Saline nasal irrigation.
  2. Air filters. Consider using an air filter in your indoor environments. ...
  3. Butterbur.
  4. Bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme found in papaya and pineapple. ...
  5. Acupuncture.
  6. Probiotics.
  7. Honey. ...
  8. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
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Can I take 2 Benadryl at once?

1 to 2 chewable tablets (12.5 mg to 25 mg) every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor. Do not use unless directed by a doctor. Do not use. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
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Does sugar help with allergic reactions?

If we notice some allergic reactions, we dissolved two spoonful of sugar in a half glass of water and drink it. It always works! Yes!
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Which antihistamine is best for anaphylaxis?

H1 antihistamines — Epinephrine is first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, and there is no known equivalent substitute. H1 antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine) relieve itch and hives.
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Can Zyrtec treat anaphylaxis?

However, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec), glucocorticoids like prednisone, or a combination, may be used in addition to epinephrine in some cases of anaphylaxis, after epinephrine is administered.
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Can Benadryl cause anaphylaxis?

Antihistamines are common over-the-counter medications used to alleviate symptoms of allergies, insomnia, nausea, and symptoms of viral illnesses. It is exceedingly rare that these drugs cause IgE-mediated, type I reactions. Previously, there were 2 reported cases of anaphylaxis to diphenhydramine.
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