Antihistamines for children with otitis media.
OBJECTIVE
Otitis media is a very common condition in pediatrics and can be quite distressing for children and their parents. Is there a role for antihistamines and decongestants in the management of acute otitis media orotitis media with effusion in children?


CONCLUSIONS
Traditionally, antihistamines and decongestants have been used in the treatment of otitis media;however, recent guidelines, which are based on study findings with negative results, recommend against routine use. No antihistamine-decongestant combination has been shown to be of clinically significant benefit,and there are potential adverse events that need to be taken into account.
BC Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Room K4-226, Ambulatory Care Bldg, 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4. rgoldman@cw.bc.ca.
Asha G
AG
Bonney
Ran D
RD
Goldman
D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D014663:Nasal Decongestants