IV add-on and quick shot · diphenhydramine Antihistamine
Calm the itch, the sneeze, and the drip.
Medically cleared by Mellisa Kerchief, NP, our Medical Director
Antihistamine blocks the chemical your body makes during an allergy flare. Add it to any IV, or get it as a quick shot. It works fast. It also makes most people sleepy, so plan a nap.
- Spring allergies
- Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Hives
- Itchy skin
What is the antihistamine add-on?
It is a prescription antihistamine given through your IV line or as a shot. Histamine is the chemical behind itchy eyes, a runny nose, and hives. This medicine blocks it. Most people feel relief within about 30 minutes. It also makes you drowsy. Our nurse practitioner orders it after your health check. The shot is $32.
Allergists give a different kind of allergy shot. Those come in a series over months to train your body. This is one dose of medicine for a flare.
What antihistamine does in your body
When pollen or dust gets in, your body makes histamine. Histamine makes your eyes itch, your nose run, and your skin break out. Antihistamine blocks it. The itch fades. The sneezing slows. The hives calm down.
This medicine also makes you sleepy. That is a side effect. For some people, it is the point. They add it to an evening drip so they can wind down and sleep.
It is on request in our Migraine IV. Our nurse practitioner decides when it fits.
Allergy season here runs February to May. Olive, mulberry, palo verde, mesquite, and grass all bloom close together. There is little rain to wash the pollen out. If your eyes itch every spring, this add on is for you.
Signs you might want antihistamine
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Runny nose and sneezing fits
- Hives or itchy skin
- An allergy flare around a new pet
- Spring, February through May
- A migraine drip where your provider adds it
- You want help winding down for sleep after an evening drip
- You cannot keep an allergy pill down
Add-on or shot?
| Add-on in your IV | Quick shot | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | A slow push during your drip | About 5 minutes |
| Price | $32 studio, $35 mobile | $32 |
| Best when | You are dry and want fluids too | You just need the itch to stop |
| After | Plan a nap. Do not drive. | Plan a nap. Do not drive. |
Mobile is the easy choice. You are already home when the sleepy part hits.
Pairs well
Best drips to pair it with
Bad flare with lots of swelling? Ask about the steroid anti inflammatory add on.
For energy, mood and immunityMyers Cocktail IV
Vitamins for allergy season plus the antihistamine$195 studio · $225 at your door
For migraines and bad headachesMigraine IV
Antihistamine on request. Ask when you book.$235 studio · $265 at your door
For heat, flights and long daysHydrate IV
Fluids plus antihistamine at our lowest price$150 studio · $150 at your door
For stress and sleepStress and Sleep IV
Add it to an evening drip to wind down for the night$175 studio · $205 at your door
For sick daysCold and Flu IV
For the sneezing and runny nose that come with a cold$230 studio · $260 at your door
How it works
Your visit, start to finish
- Book online, call, or textPick any IV and add the antihistamine, or book the shot at the studio.
- Quick health checkFirst time with us? You do a short video call with our nurse practitioner. It takes about five minutes and is good for one year. The nurse practitioner also decides if this medicine is right for you. Read about the Good Faith Exam.
- Your nurse arrivesThey check your vitals. They ask about your eyes, your medicines, and your plans for the day.
- The medicineA slow push into your IV line, or a quick shot. Relief comes within about 30 minutes.
- NapPlan to rest for a few hours. Do not drive. Do not book it before work.
Safety first
Is it safe?
Yes, when a provider orders it and a nurse gives it. That is how we do it every time.
- This is a prescription medicine. Our nurse practitioner orders it after your health check.
- A registered nurse gives every dose.
- Sterile, single use supplies.
- We check your vitals before we start.
- You will be sleepy for a few hours. Do not drive. Skip alcohol that day.
- Some people get a dry mouth.
Who should skip it or ask first: people with glaucoma. Men with an enlarged prostate or trouble peeing. Older adults should ask first. Anyone pregnant or nursing should ask first. Anyone who takes other medicines that cause sleepiness. Anyone who must drive or work right after. Our provider decides.
This is a wellness service. It eases allergy symptoms during your visit. We do not treat severe allergic reactions. A swollen tongue, a tight throat, or trouble breathing? Call 911.
Boosters & add-ons
Every other add-on
FAQ
Questions, answered
Still wondering? Text us or call (480) 674-8268.
How much does an antihistamine IV add on cost?
$32 at our Biltmore studio and $35 with a mobile visit. The shot is $32. Members save 50%.
What medicine is it?
Diphenhydramine. It is given by injection under our nurse practitioner’s order.
Is this the allergy shot an allergist gives?
No. Allergists give a series of shots over months to train your body. This is one dose of medicine to calm a flare today.
Will it make me sleepy?
Yes, for most people. Plan a nap. Book it at home, or bring a driver to the studio.
Can I drive after?
No. Not for several hours. That is why most people book it as a mobile visit.
How fast does it work?
Most people feel relief within about 30 minutes.
When is allergy season?
February to May. Olive, mulberry, palo verde, mesquite, and grass all bloom in that window.
Does it help hives?
It calms hives and itchy skin for most people. If hives come with a tight throat, call 911 instead.
Can I use it to help me sleep?
Some people add it to an evening drip to wind down. Ask our provider if that fits you.
Is it in the Migraine IV?
On request. Ask when you book and our nurse practitioner will decide.
Can I use my HSA or FSA card?
Many HSA and FSA cards work for eligible drips. Insurance does not cover it. Check HSA and FSA rules.
Stop the itch today.
Add antihistamine to any IV, or book the shot. Then take the nap you have been putting off.