title: Antihistamine therapy in allergic rhinitis.
abstract: Allergic rhinitis is a common disorder that is associated with a high incidence of morbidity and considerable costs. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are primarily dependent upon the tissue effects of histamine. Antihistamines are the mainstay of therapy for allergic rhinitis. Recently, a second generation of antihistamines has become available. These agents lack the adverse effect of sedation, which is commonly associated with older antihistamines. Current practice of antihistamine therapy in allergic rhinitis often involves random selection among the various agents. Based upon the available clinical trials, chlorpheniramine appears to be the most reasonable initial antihistaminic agent. A nonsedating antihistamine should be used initially if a patient is involved in activities where drowsiness is dangerous. In this comprehensive review of allergic rhinitis and its treatment, the current as well as future options in antihistamine pharmacotherapy are emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Tarnasky
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Van Arsdel
mesh_terms: D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists