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Nonsedating H1 antihistamines in chronic urticaria
1Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Annals of Allergy
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Second-generation antihistamines are effective for chronic urticaria and lack side effects of older drugs. These nonsedating options offer convenient dosing and should be considered first-line treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Histamine type 1 (H1) receptor antagonists are primary treatments for chronic urticaria.
- First-generation antihistamines can cause central nervous system (CNS) and anticholinergic side effects.
- Second-generation antihistamines offer an alternative with fewer adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of nonsedating antihistamines in treating chronic urticaria.
- To compare the efficacy and safety of second-generation versus first-generation antihistamines.
- To evaluate the convenience and suitability of second-generation antihistamines as first-line therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on H1 receptor antagonists for chronic urticaria.
- Comparison of efficacy and side effect profiles of different antihistamine generations.
- Analysis of dosing schedules and patient convenience.
Main Results:
- Second-generation antihistamines (terfenadine, astemizole, loratadine, cetirizine) are as effective as first-generation agents.
- Nonsedating antihistamines do not cause CNS or anticholinergic side effects.
- Cardiovascular risks are rare, dose-related, and associated with overdose or drug interactions.
- Convenient once or twice daily dosing is available for second-generation agents.
Conclusions:
- Second-generation antihistamines are effective and safe alternatives for chronic urticaria treatment.
- Their favorable side effect profile and convenient dosing support their use as first-line agents.
- Nonsedating antihistamines represent a significant advancement in managing chronic urticaria.
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