Oral antihistamines for atopic dermatitis

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
diphenhydramine hydrochloride	Benadryl
hydroxyzine	Atarax
azatadine maleate	Optimine, Trinalin Repetabs
cetirizine hydrochloride [less sedating]	Reactine
loratadine [non-sedating]	Allertin, Claritin
fexofenadine [non-sedating]	Allegra

How It Works

Antihistamines reduce itching by blocking chemical (histamine) processes in an allergic reaction. However, histamines are not always involved in atopic dermatitis itch, so these medications may not help all people with the condition.¹

Why It Is Used

For many years, oral antihistamines (taken in pill form) have been used to reduce the itch caused by atopic dermatitis. Sedating antihistamines, which make you sleepy, have been favoured for treating children who cannot sleep because of severe itching at night.

How Well It Works

Some people report an improvement in symptoms when taking an antihistamine with corticosteroid treatment. An antihistamine that causes drowsiness can be helpful if itching results in sleep problems.

Side Effects

Potential side effects include drowsiness, weakness, blurred vision, upset stomach, and dry nose, mouth, and throat. Serious side effects are not common.

Although rare in people with epilepsy, antihistamines can trigger a seizure.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Doses of antihistamines must be carefully adjusted for each person. These medications are unlikely to stop atopic dermatitis itch but can be useful for inducing sleep when itching is severe.

Topical antihistamines (put directly on the skin) generally are not used.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: July 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
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