Modern H1-antihistamines in asthma

The extensively documented antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties of second-generation H1-antihistamines further enhance their therapeutic potential in asthma. Modern H1-antihistamines such as desloratadine, fexofenadine and levocetirizine, with wider therapeutic windows and similar antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties as the older compounds, may prove a safer alternative in the treatment of asthma. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of modern H1-antihistamines in asthma management including their use in severe persistent or perennial asthma, and to evaluate their effects on lung function, tolerability at higher doses and long-term safety and efficacy.

Section editors:Roy Goldie – Faculty of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, AustraliaPeter Henry – School of Medicine & Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia