Anti-Allergy

H1 Receptor Antagonists

Sedating

 
DIPHENHYDRAMINE chlorpheniramine
acrivastine dimenhydrinate
azelastine hydroxyzine
brompheniramine meclizine
clemastine promethazine
cyclizine  
cyproheptadine  
olopatadine  

H2 Receptor Atagonists

Nonsedating Antihistamines

 
astemizole fexofenadine
cetirizine levocetirizine
desloratadine loratadine

Antihistamines are medications used to block the effects of histamine, a chemical released mainly by mast cells during allergic and inflammatory reactions.

Main uses of antihistamines

1. Allergic conditions

  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

  • Urticaria (hives)

  • Allergic conjunctivitis

  • Allergic skin reactions (itching, flushing)

2. Relief of symptoms caused by histamine

  • Itching (pruritus)

  • Sneezing

  • Runny nose (rhinorrhea)

  • Watery eyes

  • Skin swelling and redness

3. Motion sickness and vertigo
(primarily first-generation antihistamines)

  • Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting

  • Vestibular disorders

4. Sedation and sleep aid
(first-generation antihistamines due to CNS penetration)

  • Short-term treatment of insomnia

  • Pre-operative sedation (occasionally)

5. Adjunct in anaphylaxis

  • Used with epinephrine, not as a substitute

  • Helps relieve cutaneous symptoms (hives, itching)

Key clinical distinction

  • First-generation (e.g., diphenhydramine): sedating, anticholinergic effects

  • Second-generation (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine): less sedating, preferred for chronic allergies

If you want, I can summarize the differences between H1 and H2 antihistamines or give common examples with side effects.

 

 

 

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