Doctor issues warning to anyone taking hay fever pills and drinking alcohol this weekend

A top pharmacist has warned hay fever sufferers to consider the risks of mixing hay fever tablets with other medications or alcohol. Peter Thnoia, superIntendent pharmacist at PillTime, urged users to double check the ingredients of their antihistamines, as some can cause drowsiness which is exacerbated when mixed with other substances. It comes as the Met Office is forecasting high pollen levels across much of the UK this weekend, with very high levels expected in the East Midlands on Sunday.

Mr Thnoia said many people drink alcohol while taking hay fever medication and may be unaware of the possible effects. He explained: "Alcohol significantly amplifies the sedative effect of first-generation hay fever tablets, which can result in severe impairment and lead to unconsciousness or serious accidents.

Even non-drowsy antihistamines can occasionally react with alcohol, depending on individual sensitivity, so it's best to avoid alcohol altogether if you're thinking of allergy medication."

Taking some hay fever medications alongside sleeping tablets or tranquillisers, such as diazepam or zopiclone, can also lead to face a heightened risk of developing breathing difficulties, Mr Thnoia said.

First-generation antihistamines are particularly known for causing drowsiness and can become dangerous when combines with other sedatives.

"Hay fever is hitting the country hard, but taking these sedating-style tablets is a no-go if you're already taking medication to help you get to sleep," Mr Thnoia said.

"Not only will they both combine to sedate you, but it can impact breathing, and make you short of breath. It can also lead to dizziness and in extreme cases people could even fall unconscious."

Some antidepressants, known as tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs, can have similar sedation issues when combined with hay fever medication.

Mr Thnoia added: "SSRIs are some of the most common antidepressants prescribed, so many people are surprised to see that they can react badly when combined with everyday tablets to tackle allergies.

"Each drug under the SSRI umbrella will have a sliding scale of side effects when it comes to drowsiness, but each one will have sedative properties, which is why it's recommended that you go for a non-drowsy medication when suffering from hay fever."

Mr Thnoia recommended choosing non-drowsy antihistamines, such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine, if taking them alongside sleep aids or tranquillisers.

Anyone concerned about the possible effects of combining medication should speak to a healthcare professional.