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A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy
06:58

A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy

Published on: July 12, 2021

Histamine H1 antagonists and clinical characteristics of febrile seizures

Mohammed A Zolaly1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

International Journal of General Medicine
|April 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Antihistamines may increase seizure susceptibility in children with febrile seizures. These drugs, particularly H1 antagonists, can shorten seizure onset time and prolong seizure duration, warranting caution in young infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Febrile seizures are common in infants and children.
  • Antihistamines are frequently used for various conditions in this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if antihistamine use provokes seizure susceptibility in patients experiencing febrile seizures.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study involving 250 infants and children with febrile convulsions.
  • Participants were divided into two groups: those who received antihistamines at fever onset and those who did not.

Main Results:

  • Antihistamine administration was associated with a significantly shorter time from fever detection to seizure onset.
  • Seizure duration was significantly longer in children who received antihistamines.
  • No significant difference in seizure onset or duration was observed between first-generation and second-generation antihistamines.

Conclusions:

  • H1 antagonists (antihistamines) should be avoided in patients with febrile seizures and epilepsy due to potential central nervous system effects.
  • Caution is advised when using histamine H1 antagonists in young infants, as they may interfere with the central histaminergic system's anticonvulsive properties.
Abstract

Keywords:
antihistaminefebrile seizureshistamine H1 antagonistnonantihistamine

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