Table 5 Clinical profile differences and second-generation antihistamine usage based on collective experiences of clinicians surveyed
From: Selecting optimal second-generation antihistamines for allergic rhinitis and urticaria in Asia
Bilastine | Cetirizine | Desloratadine | Fexofenadine | Levocetirizine | Loratadine | Rupatadinea | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Indicated for: | |||||||
Allergic rhino-conjunctivitis | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Urticaria | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Allergic rhinitis | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Most frequently prescribed for allergic rhinitis | Cetirizine | ||||||
Most frequently prescribed for urticaria | Cetirizine Levocetirizine | ||||||
Observations on efficacy | Excellent | Good | Fair/good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
Commonly prescribed daily dose | 20 mg OD | 10 mg OD | 5 mg OD | 180 mg OD | 5 mg OD | 10 mg OD | 10 mg OD |
Duration of treatment | 2 weeks and above (depending on severity of symptoms) | ||||||
Dose adjustment requirements | None | Severe renal impairment | Severe renal impairment | None | Severe renal impairment | Severe hepatic impairment | None |
Contraindications and adverse effects | None | Severe renal impairment Sedation | None Light sedation | None Very occasional worsening (could be due to allergy to dye of pill) | Severe renal impairment Light sedation | None Sedation | Interaction with ketoconazole, erythromycin, and statins |