Training & Nutrition - Antihistamine and cycling

I've been prescribed with a 14 day course of 1 10mg tablet a day of antihistamine to help an allergic reaction i've had in a finger to some cream i put on the dead skin which came about from cycling. I was just wondering if it's ok to carry on with my cycling while i'm taking this as i hear it can make you drowsy? The doctor said it SHOULD be ok but i was wondering if anyone else knew any better. This week i have 4 rides planned (2 x 25 miles and 2 x 50 miles) but next week far less as it's a recovery week. Is there any reason i shouldn't go on and do them?

was a culture done on the sight of the "dead skin" ?

If I were you, I'd wait a day or so after beginning the medicine to see how drowsy I actually get. If I found that I was really knocked out by the meds, I wouldn't get on the bike. If instead it doesn't hit me too hard, I'd ride away.

was a culture done on the sight of the "dead skin" ?

Nope. Do you think it could be important then?

My next ride would be tomorow so i'll take one today, one tomorow and see if i'm up to it.

I've used most antihistamines under the sun - some make you drowsy and some don't, and it's quite a personal thing. I wouldn't worry: if you get drowsy, you'll just go slowly. You're not likely to fall off or anything like that.

I've been prescribed with a 14 day course of 1 10mg tablet a day of antihistamine to help an allergic reaction i've had in a finger to some cream i put on the dead skin which came about from cycling. I was just wondering if it's ok to carry on with my cycling while i'm taking this as i hear it can make you drowsy? The doctor said it SHOULD be ok but i was wondering if anyone else knew any better. This week i have 4 rides planned (2 x 25 miles and 2 x 50 miles) but next week far less as it's a recovery week. Is there any reason i shouldn't go on and do them?


It really depends on the AntiHystamine. Dypenhydramine is a common one in cheaper allergy meds, it's also the primary ingredient in Sleeping Pills!!!

I'm gonna take a guess that your taking either zyrtec or claritin (by the strength and dosing schedule). Claritin usually doesn't cause drowsiness, Zyrtec is more likely to. The best way to keep this from interfering with life is to take it before you go to bed at night.

Disregard if I guessed wrong on the meds.

I'm guessing that if you're out riding, your adrenaline and increased heartrate will probably overcome any drowsiness you might feel. But it's your call; if you feel up to it, get on out there.

Many antihistamines have a "drying" effect, so pay extra attention to staying sufficiently hydrated before, during, and after vigorous excercise while on them. I agree that the drowsiness probably won't be an issue while you're active, but you might take it easy the first time out; you never know.