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Table 4B Diseases in Which H1 Antihistamines Are NOT Drugs of First Choice Based on Paucity of Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials and on Availability of More Effective Alternatives*

From: H1 Antihistamines: Current Status and Future Directions

Atopic dermatitis

Asthma

Anaphylaxis

Nonallergic (hereditary or acquired) angioedema

  1. *Most randomized controlled trials of H1 antihistamines in atopic dermatitis have not shown any significant benefit. H1 antihistamines do no harm in asthma and might be useful in individuals with mild seasonal allergic asthma and concomitant allergic conjunctivitis. H1 antihistamines relieve itching and hives in anaphylaxis but are not drugs of choice in this disease and may cause harm if their use delays epinephrine (adrenaline) treatment. In nonallergic (hereditary or acquired) angioedema, H1 antihistamines are not effective, and this may actually help point toward the correct diagnosis.
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World Allergy Organization Journal

ISSN: 1939-4551

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