Atopic dermatitis antihistamines

Angioedema may be precipitated by histamine release but appears to be maintained by peptide kinins that are not affected by antihistaminic agents. For atopic dermatitis, antihistaminic drugs such as diphenhydramine are used mostly for their sedative side effect, which reduces awareness of itching. 

Hj antihistamines are clinically used in the treatment of histamine-mediated allergic conditions. Specifically, these indications may include allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic dermatological conditions (contact dermatitis), pruritus (atopic dermatitis, insect... 

Although the antihistamines are not useful as primary agents in the treatment of asthma, a number of studies have shown that the second-generation compounds are effective as adjunctive therapies in asthmatic patients with concomitant rhinitis, urticaria, or dermatitis. Cetirizine has been used to prevent the progression from atopic dermatitis to asthma in young children. 

It is a cromolyn analogue. It is an antihistaminic (H antagonist) and probably inhibits airway inflammation induced by platelet activating factor (PAF) in primate. It is not a bronchodilator. It is used in asthma and symptomatic relief in atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and urticaria. It is absorbed orally and well tolerated. Bioavailability is 50% due to first pass metabolism and is primarily metabolized. The common side effects include dry mouth, sedation, dizziness and nausea. 

Second-generation antihistamines have proved to be important therapeutic tools in the treatment of atopic disease, including both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and atopic dermatitis (20). Several studies have shown that the use of second-generation antihistamines as adjunctive therapy can benefit patients whose allergic asthma co-exists with allergic rhinitis (21). 

Few human studies or clinical trials examining the potential health and/or therapeutic applications of rooibos have been reported. Dnring the early 1980s, a small (n=7) study was conducted in hnmans snffering from asthma or hay fever. Neither the ingestion of traditional rooibos nor the topical apphcation of a rooibos poultice exhibited any antihistaminic effects (75). Nearly a decade later, another human study was pubhshed that showed a positive effect an infusion of rooibos had on patients with atopic dermatitis and herpes simplex viral infection 74). A decreased itching and indnced-inflammation was reported as well as a decreased incidence of herpes simplex. As yet, no hnman studies on inunune responses have been published. 

Klein PA, Clark RAF. An evidence-based review of the efficacy of antihistamines in relieving pruritus in atopic dermatitis. Arch Dermatol 1999 135 1522-1525. 

Uses Antihistamine drug for relief of symptoms of head colds, common flu, sinus congestion, hay fever to elevate blood pressure treatment of allergic reactions of skin and mucous membranes, e.g., acute urticaria, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis for temporary relief of itching skin, e.g., atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, pruritus, and insect bites jaundice Manuf./Distrib. ICN Biomed. Research Prods. http //www.icnbiomed.com Ruger http //www.rugerchemical.com Spectrum Quality Prods. 

Therapeutic profile The drug is a second-generation antihistamine, lacking sedative activity, for the treatment of allergic diseases, including allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, urticaria and atopic dermatitis. 

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