Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
G
glazgogirl Asked July 2013

I want to find an effective allergy medicine that will be safe for my Dad. Suggestions?

He sneezes and blows his nose constantly, but especially at night. My Mom is recovering from surgery and not getting much rest here lately. Dad has problems with dementia and his heart and is taking several other medications. I would like to find the right allergy med that will work for him. I was using Allegra, but it doesn't appear to be working any more. I next thought Benadryl, but it is highly un-recommended for seniors. I want to know what other options I have.

glazgogirl Jul 2013
Wow. Thank you, sonswife!!! I really appreciate that.

sonswife Jul 2013
American Gerontological Society has a list of medications to avoid in the elderly, I'd look at the list closely. Many antihistamines have anticholenergic effects and can cause confusion to the point of delirium in the elderly. My mother-in-law just came out of terrible period of confusion and anxiety that was probably due to 2 medications she was taking that have strong anticholenergic effects. We got them discontinued and she has become much more normal.

ADVERTISEMENT


glazgogirl Jul 2013
TRUE!!! My Dad has been putting Mentholatum and Vicks up his nose for as long as I can remember. He's probably burned out his entire nasal cavity. He has sleep apnea, but he can't handle wearing the mask. My Mom is currently disabled from a couple of back surgeries and I am caring for them both right now. She usually looks after Dad. It's not hard, he sleeps a lot, but he's not at home and that makes him fussy. Thankfully, though. He eventually forgets his fussiness. I will talk to my pharmacist and maybe call his doctor if it gets too much worse. I know he kept Mom up with all his coughing and sneezing and blowing. I can hear him on the baby monitor. Sometimes I fear he is choking.

Eyerishlass Jul 2013
I don't have any suggestions on what medication to try but I've never seen a senior who didn't blow their nose all the time and who didn't keep Kleenex handy wherever they go. What is it about the elderly and runny noses???

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter