allergy meds question

I am wondering if any of you take allergy medications that seem to do okay with your PVC's.  I used to take Clariton, and don't really remember there being a problem, but I want to double check.  

I'm getting a horse.  :-)  A lifelong dream come true, and at the same time I know that I am allergic to them (not severely) so I will have to take allergy meds regularly.  I'm not willing to give up on my horse because of a few allergies and I'm not willing to have a huge increase of PVC's because of the allergy meds. A happy medium would be nice.

Any advice?

[Momto3]

I'm not sure about allergy medications, but I know that OTC cold remedies can bring on the palps big time.  My doctor used to tell me to try and avoid them if I could.  I know I've taken Sudafed and don't recall a problem.  Can you give your doctor's office a call and ask what they recommend?

CONGRATULATIONS on the horse!  You must be so excited!!  We want details mom!!

Connie

[Artaud]

Hi,

Unless I am wrong, the medication is spelled Claritin with a generic name of Loratadine. Claritin is an H1 Blocker (Histamine) but there is a version that you are going to want to avoid, Claritin D (Decongestant with Pseudoephedrine)

"From one professional site, the following: Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole, itraconazole) Use of these agents with similar antihistamines has resulted in serious cardiac toxicity, including death."

I would consult your Doctor about such medications (Antifungals), which he/she may want you to avoid.  He/she may not want you to take antifungal medications while you are taking Claritin, and have you discontinue Claritin if you need to start taking one.

Also:

"Cimetidine (Tagamet) Concomitant use may increase plasma levels of loratadine.

Erythromycin (an Antibiotic) Loratadine plasma levels, including metabolite, may be increased."

I do not remember the extent of your arrhythmia (ablation, PVCs, etc), and I avoid cold and allergy medications totally, but my wife, who has a nusiance level arrhythmia (PVCs, PACs, PSVT) takes Clariton whenever she needs to. She claims that it does not effect her arrhythmia.

If you are going to try it, consider starting low, splitting the pills if you can, and taking 1/2 the dosage for several days. If you still have no problems, try going to the normal dosage.

For more, look up Loratadine on Wikipedia. Don't take the side effects too seriously, they are common for many medications.

Better still, consult with your Cardiologist to get his/her perspective.

Involvement with your horse may help to take your mind off your heart.

Happy New Year.

[dolfnlvr]

Oh I know.  I need to call the Doc, but just wondered if all of you with your wealth of experience and support might have some advice.  

Artaud, you are right...it's Claritin not Clariton (whoops).  And I'm not taking any antifungals any time soon, so I guess it'll be okay :-).  I had a chuckle over that section.  

I avoid all cold meds too, but the horse is more important than the allergies for now.  And I know I have taken Claritin without problems in the past...so hopefully the doc says go for it. I know not to take the "D" version as it contains ephedra compounds.

I have the same stuff you describe for your wife...nusaince PVC's and some infrequent episodes of SVT...short lived.  As you can tell by my willingness to risk them, I've learned to live with them fairly well...except when they become persistant.

Thanks for the advice.

And Momto3 they are both mares. One's a gray mare (15.5) and the other is a buckskin mare (14 hands).  They are both trail horses the smaller of which is a walk/jog horse while the larger is a jog/canter horse.  They are terrific family horses and beginners for the kids.  I'm so excited I can barely stand it!!!!

Have a great week everyone!!!

[Momto3]

I think I'm as excited as you are!!  OK, maybe not AS excited, but I can tell by that it's like Christmas morning for a 6 year old!!  It's the best!  I don't know much about horses, but I do know they are beautiful, gentle animals with a special gift for healing.  I know that a mare is a female horse over the age of 3 (I looked it up...lol), but what do the comments in the ( ) mean?  15.5?  14 hands?
When will you be getting the horses?

connie

[dolfnlvr]

A "Hand" is equivalent to 4 inches.  So a horse that is 14 hands is 56 inches tall from hoof to withers, which are the shoulder area at the base of the neck.  Basically it is where the saddle horn rests on their back.

Gotta run, my dad is here to discuss lean to's for the horses :-)