Prakt. lékáren. 2020; 16(2): 67-73 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2020.010

Antihistamines indicated for systemic and topical treatment

Veronika Kunešová

II. chirurgická klinika, Centrum pro cévní onemocnění, Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny v Brně a Lékařská fakulta Masarykovy Univerzity, Brno

Antihistamines represent a category of drugs that inhibit the binding of histamine to its H1 receptors and thereby affect its local action, do not block or reduce histamine release. Antihistamines are considered the first line of choice for allergic reactions, but their clinical potential is much broader. Their main indication is allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria, angioedema, allergic rash or anaphylaxis. This group of drugs belongs to the category of therapeutics used in clinical practice for more than half a century and yet in some drugs we do not know their pharmacokinetic and dynamic parameters in details. In many cases, the choice of a given antihistamine is only an empirical choice. However, it is clear that not every antihistamine is suitable for every individual patient. The choice of the right substance from the group of antihistamines is influenced by the desired resultant effect, the particular problem, age, health condition and possible occurrence of other patient co-morbidities. The degree of effectiveness of antihistamine therapy for a given problem may also be modulated by the route of administration. Therefore, drugs from this pharmacotherapeutic group are available in different dosage forms, both prescription and OTC.

Keywords: allergy, topical antihistamines, systemic antihistamines, indications of antihistamines.

Published: June 22, 2020  Show citation