B.

Second-Generation Antihistamines “Non-sedating Antihistamines”  

 Referred to as the ‘newer agents’  

 No atropine-like actions 
 Does cross the blood-brain barrier 
 cause fewer anticholinergic symptoms 
 Although a moderate amount of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS)
depressants may be taken with second-generation antihistamines, many clinicians
advise against such use 

Table 1.1 Common Antihistamines for Allergic

(feel free to edit baka kasi mas nakakalito ung pag merge ko nung table;;) 

ANTIHISTAMINE:  HALF-LIFE:  ROA:  FOR:  PREGNANCY

CATEGORY: 
Nasal Spray
azelastine (Astelin)  22 hours  (usually 2 sprays
per nostril b.i.d)  C 
desloratadine Allergic rhinitis 
 27 hours 
(Clarinex) 
levocetirizine
 8 hrs 
(Xyzal)  B 
cetirizine (Zyrtec)   Oral Route 
Allergic rhinitis &
fexofenadine Urticaria  C 
(Allegra)  7-15 hours 
Allergic rhinitis &
loratadine (Claritin)  B 
Rhinorrhea 

(NOT SURE IF ISASAMA KO TOH :’( KASI EXTRA DETAILS HIHI) 

 azelastine (Astelin) - locally antagonizes effects of histamine at H-receptor sites

(does not bind to / inactivate histamine) 

 Therapeutic Effects: 

 decreased sneezing, nasal rhinitis, pruritus, postnasal drip 

 Side Effects: 

 CNS: drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache 

 EENT: nasal burning, pharyngitis, sinusitis, sneezing 
 GI: dry mouth, bitter taste, nausea 
 descloratadine (Clarinex) - blocks peripheral effects of histamine released
during allergic reactions 

 Therapeutic Effects: 

 decreased allergic symptoms and pruritus 

 Side Effects: 

 CNS: drowsiness (rare) 

 EENT: pharyngitis 
 GI: dry mouth 

 levocetirizine (Xyzal) - antagonizes effects of histamine at H1 receptor sites

(does not bind to / inactivate histamine) 

 Therapeutic Effects: 

 decreased rhinitis and itching 

 Side Effects: 

 CNS: drowsiness, fatigue, weakness 

 GI: dry mouth 
 GU: urinary retention 

 cetirizine (Zyrtec) - antagonizes effects of histamine at H1 receptor sites (does

not bind to / inactivate histamine) 

 Therapeutic Effects: 

 decreased sneezing, rhinorrhea, ocular tearing and redness and

pruritus 

 Side Effects: 

 CNS: drowsiness (depending on dosage), dizziness, fatigue 

 EENT: pharyngitis 
 GI: dry mouth 

 fexofenadine (Allegra) - antagonizes effects of histamine at H1 receptor sites,

including pruritus and urticaria 

 Therapeutic Effects: 
  decreased sneezing, rhinorrhea, ocular tearing and redness and
pruritus 

 Side Effects: 

 CNS: drowsiness, fatigue 

 EENT: nasal mucosa drying 
 Endo: dysmenorrhea 
 GI: dyspepsia 

 loratadine (Claritin) - blocks peripheral effects of histamine released during

allergic reactions 

 Therapeutic Effects: 

 decreased allergic symptoms   

 Side Effects: 

 CNS: drowsiness (rare), confusion, paradoxical excitation 

 EENT: blurred vision 
 GI: dry mouth, GI upset 
 Derm: photosensitivity, rash 

research indicates that some types may cause them to experience some adverse effects on psychomotor
functions, which is when the brain and body work together to complete a task (e.g., driving or catching a
ball). But be warned — although research found fewer adverse side effects of second-generation
antihistamines and alcohol combined, that doesn't mean it's safe to mix this medicine with alcohol!