Cats -- any medication for an allergy?

[Uwila]

I am going to Chicago in a couple of weeks, and will be staying with my sister who has a cat. I am allergic to cats, so not really looking forward to this. My sister thinks there is some medicine I can take to relieve the symtoms. I have no idea what she is talking about. Does anyone on here have any recommendation?

[Peridot30]

i use antihistamines called zirtek. I too am allergic to animal fur and use these. I would use them for a few days before you go and also every day you are away. Hopefully this helps. Enjoy your trip.

[Uwila]

Oh, thanks. Why start before? Do they take a while to build up?

[iris66]

shotgun?
(sorry - couldn't resist)

[Uwila]

Eh? For me or the cat?

[charleymouse]

You can also get something to wipe your cat with as it tends to be an allergy to cat spittle which obviously they cover themselves with when they wash. Boots used to sell a lotion to wipe over your cat. I'm not sure where you can buy this from now though.
Also ask your sister to really thoroughly hoover before you arrive and keep the cat out of the room you will be sleeping in if possible.
Antihistamines are your best option, you can also get homeopathic tablets depending on your symptoms eg runny nose/eyes/sore throat. Try your local pharmacist for advice.
HTH
Rachel

[Indith]

I had cat and dust allergies right through til a couple of years ago (cats still get me sometimes) I was on Zirtec but it is very expensive! However, there are loads of antihistmaines around with different bases. Zirtec is ceterizine based and if you ask the nice people in Boots they will sell you one that is the same base but miles cheaper. Be warned though that different antihistamines work better for different people! Also ask your sister to make sure she airs your room and shakes out the bed linen and andy rugs and hoovers and that she doesn't let the cat in your room at all from now on. Plus the obvious of course is don't go too near the cat, if he rubs up against your clothes then you are going to be carrying cat allergens around with you. If your eyes tend to get bad then opticrom allergy eyedrops are really good on top of the antihistamine tablets.

[Uwila]

So what is zirtec? Does it require a prescription?

[Indith]

Nope doesn't need a prescription, just go to your pharmacy and ask for an antihistamine. Zirtec can tend to cost around £5 for a box of 7 but there are cheaper versions of the same thing so make sure you ask at the counter! You can get it on prescription though so if your GP is aware of your allergy you may well be able to get a prescription for a larger amount (I used to get given 90 tablets on one prescription, very cheap!)

[ANAconda]

i have a nasty cat allergy (think you're v brave staying I am a prima donna about this). Any antihistamine will do the trick. i used to take zirtek but it made me really sleepy. I now use clarityn or boots' own brand with no probs. have a fab trip. there are loads of over the counter anti histamines in the states so you can always try them if you don't find anything in the UK you like

[Uwila]

Thanks everyone, I'll stock up on antihistamines before I go.