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Management of seasonal allergic rhinitis: comparative efficacy of the newer-generation prescription antihistamines.

AbstractPURPOSE:
To discuss the efficacy and safety of second-generation prescription antihistamines, cetirizine, desloratadine, and fexofenadine, and to inform nurse practitioners (NP) who are in a position to optimally manage patients presenting with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).
DATA SOURCES:
Selected published clinical trials.
CONCLUSIONS:
NP, who are ideally placed to successfully manage the majority of patients with SAR, should be fully aware of the treatment options available. Although first-generation over-the-counter antihistamines are convenient to use and are readily accessible, patients run the risk of experiencing adverse effects, such as sedation. For this reason, second-generation antihistamines should be considered a better alternative; however, they need to be evaluated individually on the basis of their proven efficacy and safety. Both cetirizine and fexofenadine are equally effective at relieving the symptoms of SAR; however, cetirizine has been shown to be more likely to cause sedation and impairment.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
If left untreated, SAR can have a substantial effect on patients' quality of life, resulting in fatigue, irritability, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairment.
AuthorsKathleen Conboy-Ellis
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (J Am Acad Nurse Pract) Vol. 17 Issue 8 Pg. 295-301 (Aug 2005) ISSN: 1041-2972 [Print] United States
PMID16045589 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
Chemical References
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating
  • Loratadine
  • Terfenadine
  • fexofenadine
  • desloratadine
  • Cetirizine
Topics
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cetirizine (therapeutic use)
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists (therapeutic use)
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating (therapeutic use)
  • Humans
  • Loratadine (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal (drug therapy)
  • Terfenadine (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
  • Treatment Outcome

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