Second-Generation Antihistamines

Clinical trials have proved the efficacy of antihistamines in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticarial (CIU). Second-generation antihistamines are recommended as first-line therapy for CIU. This article reviews the newer second-generation antihistamines in light of recent advances in the understanding of their pharmacology, efficacy, and safety profile. A Google scholar search for second-generation antihistamines was done using the words “second generation H 1 antihistamines,” “bilastine,” “ebastine,” “olopatadine,” “rupatadine,” “levocetirizine,” “fexofenadine,” “desloratadine,” “histamine,” “allergy,” and “urticaria.” All the articles were retrieved and classified into review articles, studies, double-blinded trials, and case reports. The final data were then analyzed and presented in a narrative fashion.