Emerging safety issues regarding long-term usage of H1-receptor antagonists

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Abstract
The second generation histamine H1-receptor antagonists are important therapeutic tools in the treatment of atopic disease and may also have a place as an adjunct therapy for those patients whose allergic asthma coexists with allergic rhinitis. They are amongst the most widely prescribed and safest drugs in the world. However, as second generation H1-receptor antagonists are used to treat non-life threatening conditions, the risk of adverse effects is of vital importance. For many, the potential for sedation by some of the newer antihistamines still remains an issue, while there have recently been widespread concerns regarding the potential for cardiotoxicity and the impact of drug–drug interactions associated with some second generation H1-receptor antagonists. Consequently, progress with this class of drugs should involve not only increased efficacy but also improvements in their safety and specificity. Moreover, there is a trend towards using second generation H1-receptor antagonists as long-term thera...