Athletic Training Practice Exam

Which medication should be taken at bedtime to avoid daytime sedation for allergic rhinitis?

1. Expectorants

2. Antihistamines

3. Decongestants

4. NSAIDs

The correct answer is: Antihistamines

For managing allergic rhinitis, antihistamines are often recommended due to their effectiveness in alleviating symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Specifically, second-generation antihistamines, like cetirizine or loratadine, are less likely to cause sedation compared to their first-generation counterparts, such as diphenhydramine. However, even second-generation antihistamines can still cause some drowsiness in sensitive individuals, which is why taking them at bedtime can be beneficial to minimize any potential sedation during the day. Expectorants are primarily used to help relieve coughs and congestion rather than directly targeting allergic rhinitis. Decongestants are effective in reducing nasal congestion but can lead to side effects such as increased heart rate and insomnia, making them less suitable for evening use. NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory medications that may help with pain relief but do not address the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Therefore, antihistamines are the appropriate choice for nighttime use in order to mitigate daytime drowsiness while treating allergic symptoms effectively.