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Use and safety of antihistamines in children
Author(s) -
Chae K. Mireille,
Tharp Michael D.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1046/j.1529-8019.2000.00040.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cetirizine , fexofenadine , loratadine , levocetirizine , third generation , first generation , adverse effect , safety profile , atopic dermatitis , terfenadine , dermatology , intensive care medicine , pharmacology , telecommunications , population , environmental health , computer science
Although first‐generation antihistamines remain popular for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria in children, second‐ and third‐generation antihistamines hold clear advantages over the first‐generation agents, especially for the pediatric patient. The less frequent dosing schedule of the second‐ and third‐generation agents makes administration easier for the parent. With less sedation and lower risk of adverse effects, the safety profile of second‐ and third‐generation agents appears superior to that of first‐generation agents. After briefly discussing the use of first‐generation antihistamines, the pharmacokinetics, safety, and use of the newer antihistamines loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine in the pediatric patient are reviewed.