We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Risk of first-generation H<sub>1</sub>-antihistamines: a GA<sup>2</sup>LEN position paper.
- Authors
Church, M. K.; Maurer, M.; Simons, F. E. R.; Bindslev-Jensen, C.; van Cauwenberge, P.; Bousquet, J.; Holgate, S. T.; Zuberbier, T.
- Abstract
To cite this article: Church MK, Maurer M, Simons FER, Bindslev-Jensen C, van Cauwenberge P, Bousquet J, Holgate ST, Zuberbier T. Risk of first-generation H1-antihistamines: a GA2LEN position paper. Allergy 2010; 65: 459–466. Background: First-generation H1-antihistamines obtained without prescription are the most frequent form of self-medication for allergic diseases, coughs and colds and insomnia even though they have potentially dangerous unwanted effects which are not recognized by the general public. Aims: To increase consumer protection by bringing to the attention of regulatory authorities, physicians and the general public the potential dangers of the indiscriminate use first-generation H1-antihistamines purchased over-the counter in the absence of appropriate medical supervision. Methods: A GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network) task force assessed the unwanted side-effects and potential dangers of first-generation H1-antihistamines by reviewing the literature (Medline and Embase) and performing a media audit of US coverage from 1996 to 2008 of accidents and fatal adverse events in which these drugs were implicated. Results: First-generation H1-antihistamines, all of which are sedating, are generally regarded as safe by laypersons and healthcare professionals because of their long-standing use. However, they reduce rapid eye movement (REM)-sleep, impair learning and reduce work efficiency. They are implicated in civil aviation, motor vehicle and boating accidents, deaths as a result of accidental or intentional overdosing in infants and young children and suicide in teenagers and adults. Some exhibit cardiotoxicity in overdose. Conclusions: This review raises the issue of better consumer protection by recommending that older first-generation H1-antihistamines should no longer be available over-the-counter as prescription- free drugs for self-medication of allergic and other diseases now that newer second- generation nonsedating H1-antihistamines with superior risk/benefit ratios are widely available at competitive prices.
- Subjects
ANTIHISTAMINES; ALLERGIES; COMMON cold; INSOMNIA; CONSUMER protection; ASTHMA; DRUGS
- Publication
Allergy, 2010, Vol 65, Issue 4, p459
- ISSN
0105-4538
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02325.x