Antihistamines: do they work? Further well-controlled trials involving larger samples are needed.
Histamine is one of the most important steps in the phlogistic allergic reaction. Its activity is due to the link to specific receptors on the cellular surface. H1-receptors of second generation are the most currently prescribed drugs in allergic diseases for their high selectivity, little or no central sedative effect, rapid onset of action and long half lives. Antihistamines can modulate part of immunological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation reducing mediator release and expression of adhesion molecules, regulating the release of cytokines, chemokines and consequently inflammatory cells recruitment. The anti-inflammatory effects of cetirizine, desloratadine and levocetirizine are reviewed. Quality of life is considered too, as a main parameter in a global evaluation of the antihistamine's effects.
Fumagalli
F
F
Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, DIMI, Genoa University, Genoa, Italy.
Baiardini
I
I
Pasquali
M
M
Compalati
E
E
Guerra
L
L
Massacane
P
P
Canonica
G W
GW
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017332:Cetirizine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017336:Loratadine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011788:Quality of Life
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating; D010879:Piperazines; C472067:levocetirizine; D017336:Loratadine; C121345:desloratadine; D017332:Cetirizine