title: Newer antihistaminic agents.
abstract: Two new antihistamines with properties different from those of currently available drugs are nearing licensure. Named terfenidine and astemizole, they are almost exclusively H1-antagonists, lacking anticholinergic and sympathetic activity. They fail to penetrate the central nervous system and lack sedative effects. They are long-acting and require less frequent doses. Thus they allow sustained antihistaminic action without the usual side effects.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Norman
mesh_terms: D016589:Astemizole; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000187:drug effects; D016593:Terfenadine; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic; D016593:Terfenadine; D016589:Astemizole