Antihistamine recommendations
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Allergies should be treated with newer, non-impairing, second-generation antihistamines rather than with older medications such as Pfizer's Benadryl, according to recommendations developed by a panel of 14 experts and published in the May Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Many antihistamines used to treat allergic rhinitis "may produce sedation, impairment and reduced quality of life," experts state, noting the condition is "more appropriately managed with the relatively non-impairing second-generation antihistamines" such as loratadine (Schering's Claritin). While "further epidemiologic studies on the effects of antihistamines should be performed," the expert group advises physicians that "second generation antihistamines are preferred for all patients"...