title: Terfenadine, a nonsedating antihistamine.
abstract: Terfenadine is an antihistamine recently approved for use in the U.S. Terfenadine possesses a unique chemical structure when compared with other antihistamines. It is a selective inhibitor of H1-receptors with little or no anticholinergic, antiserotoninergic, or antiadrenergic effects. Comparative studies have shown that terfenadine is as effective as other antihistamines in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and other hypersensitivity conditions. This drug produces a minimal amount of central nervous system (CNS) depression, which is documented by studies demonstrating that terfenadine and its metabolites do not readily pass into the CNS and have little affinity for central H1-receptors. The lack of CNS depression and anticholinergic effects, and the long duration of action that allows twice-a-day dosing make terfenadine an attractive alternative to other antihistamines.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Wojciechowski
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Skoutakis
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Rickman
mesh_terms: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005569:Formularies as Topic; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy; D007700:Kinetics; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy; D016593:Terfenadine
chemical_list: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D016593:Terfenadine