Oral antihistamines for atopic dermatitis

Examples

---

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Zyrtec	cetirizine hydrochloride [less sedating]

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Benadryl	diphenhydramine hydrochloride

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Allegra	fexofenadine [nonsedating]

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Vistaril	hydroxyzine

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Claritin	loratadine [nonsedating]

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 favored 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.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

---

Citations

1. Leung DYM, et al. (2003). Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema). In IM Freedberg et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 6th ed., vol. 1, pp. 1180–1194. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Credits

---

Author	Robin Parks, MS
Author	Ralph Poore
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Last Updated	May 16, 2006