H1 antihistamines (second-generation)
- Less CNS penetration than first-gen H1 drugs
- Cetirizine/loratadine/fexofenadine examples
- Preferred for chronic rhinitis/urticaria
- Much less antimuscarinic burden
- Cetirizine can still cause some sedation
- Once-daily dosing is common
Class at a glance
- Less CNS penetration than first-gen H1 drugs
Members / distinctions
- Cetirizine/loratadine/fexofenadine examples
- Much less antimuscarinic burden
Other member distinctions
- Preferred for chronic rhinitis/urticaria
- Once-daily dosing is common
Safety / monitoring
- Cetirizine can still cause some sedation
Self-check
- Which second-generation H1 drug can still cause some sedation?
Cetirizine. - For which chronic conditions are second-generation H1 drugs preferred?
Rhinitis and urticaria.
Drugs in this class (7)
H1 antihistamines (second-generation) prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, H1 antihistamines (1944–2026). Newer oral highlighted from 1985.
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