title: H1-Antihistamines: more relevant than ever in the treatment of allergic disorders.
abstract: Histamine is an important chemical mediator of inflammation, vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, decreased peripheral resistance, airway smooth muscle contraction, and sensory nerve stimulation causing itching. It also plays a significant role in neurotransmission and in cardiac function. In allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria, there is strong evidence for the role of H(1)-antihistamine treatment. In asthma, additional dose-response studies, including higher doses of antihistamines than those used in allergic rhinitis, are needed to determine the role of antihistamines. In atopic dermatitis, the itch-relieving topical glucocorticoid-sparing effects of H(1)-antihistamines also require further documentation. The potential benefits of each H(1)-antihistamine should be weighed against the potential risks, and second-generation H(1)-antihistamines with excellent, well-documented safety records should be used in preference to older, less safe H(1)-antihistamines. Second-generation H(1)-antihistamines are more relevant than ever in the treatment of allergic disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: F Estelle R
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Simons
mesh_terms: D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000188:drug therapy; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D018836:Inflammation Mediators