H1 antihistamines: current status and future directions.

Article Details

Citation

Simons FE, Simons KJ

H1 antihistamines: current status and future directions.

World Allergy Organ J. 2008 Sep;1(9):145-55. doi: 10.1097/WOX.0b013e318186fb3a.

PubMed ID
23282578 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

In this review, we compare and contrast the clinical pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of first-generation H1 antihistamines and second-generation H1 antihistamines. First-generation H1 antihistamines cross the blood-brain barrier, and in usual doses, they potentially cause sedation and impair cognitive function and psychomotor performance. These medications, some of which have been in use for more than 6 decades, have never been optimally investigated. Second-generation H1 antihistamines such as cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, levocetirizine, and loratadine cross the blood-brain barrier to a significantly smaller extent than their predecessors. The clinical pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of these medications have been extensively studied. They are therefore the H1 antihistamines of choice in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and urticaria. In the future, clinically advantageous H1 antihistamines developed with the aid of molecular techniques might be available.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs
Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
PhenyltoloxamineHistamine H1 receptorProteinMouse
Yes
Inverse agonist
Details