Hay fever can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
Many people use antihistamines to relieve their symptoms during pollen season, according to The Sun.
According to the NHS and Bolt Pharmacy, several types of juice can negatively affect the medication. This includes orange juice, grapefruit juice, and apple juice.
Experts explain that these drinks can make it harder for the body to absorb the medicine properly. As a result, the tablets may not work as effectively as usual.
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Ongoing symptoms
The issue mainly affects the allergy medication fexofenadine, which is commonly used to treat allergies.
Bolt Pharmacy states that orange juice can, in some cases, reduce the body’s absorption of the medicine by up to 70 percent.
This means that symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes may continue, even when people are taking their medication.
However, according to the NHS, the problem does not apply to all types of allergy medication. Nasal sprays and eye drops are not affected in the same way.
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The safest choice
Alcohol may also cause problems when combined with certain antihistamines. The NHS warns that the combination can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
Health authorities therefore recommend taking the medication with water instead of juice or alcohol.
This may help ensure that the treatment works as effectively as possible during pollen season.
Sources: The Sun, NHS, and Bolt Pharmacy.
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