From the Research
Glucose is not recommended as a home remedy for allergic reactions. For mild allergic reactions, over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at a dose of 25-50mg every 4-6 hours or cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10mg once daily are appropriate treatments 1. For severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen or Auvi-Q) should be used immediately, followed by calling emergency services (911) 2, 3, 4, 5.
Key Points to Consider
- Glucose, which is a simple sugar, has no proven anti-allergic properties and would not address the underlying immune response causing allergic symptoms.
- Allergic reactions occur when the immune system releases chemicals like histamine in response to allergens, and effective treatments work by blocking these chemicals or reducing the immune response.
- Using glucose instead of proper medication could delay effective treatment and potentially allow a serious allergic reaction to worsen, which could be dangerous or even life-threatening.
- The most recent and highest quality study 4 supports the early use of epinephrine and suggests a beneficial effect of antihistamines in the management of anaphylaxis.
Treatment Options
- For mild allergic reactions:
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at a dose of 25-50mg every 4-6 hours
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10mg once daily
- For severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis:
- Epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen or Auvi-Q) immediately
- Call emergency services (911) immediately after administering epinephrine.