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Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001;127:1510-1514.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Hypothesis: Use of second rather than first-generation antihistamines for allergy symptoms is appropriate for most children and adults.

BACKGROUND

Antihistamines of the histamine₁ (H₁) type, which have been in clinical use for more than 50 years, are now being used by millions of Americans—perhaps 30 million or more.^1-2 The main reason for their widespread use is to alleviate the symptoms associated with histamine-mediated allergies. The H₁ antihistamines alleviate common symptoms by blocking H₁ receptors on peripheral blood vessels and nerves, as well as in the frontal and temporal cortex.³

Figure appears in full text version. Richard C. Haydon III, MD

A well-known characteristic of the classic first-generation antihistamines is their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier; apparently because they are lipid soluble and molecularly small, they are able to enter and influence the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, in addition to their ability to block peripheral histamine receptors along blood vessels and nerves, the first-generation antihistamines . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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