antihistamines
First- and second-generation antihistamines and their physicochemical properties
This article explores the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis (AR) and urticaria, focusing on oral antihistamine treatment and their physicochemical properties. It compares first- and second-generation options, highlighting their lipophilicity blood–brain …
Chronic spontaneous urticaria: an overview
Pharmacists may be the first contact point for patients experiencing symptoms of chronic spontaneous urticaria. This article aims to provide an overview of the condition and management options, with a …
Scheduling shakeup
A raft of new scheduling decisions have been revealed, with a number of medicines set to be downscheduled, but no alteration to planned paracetamol changes A number of decisions have …
The OTC top 10
Have you ever wondered what are the biggest selling over-the-counter products around the country? There’s some surprises when you look at the top 10 best sellers 1. Sugar… The biggest …
Chronic spontaneous urticaria
This podcast discusses the types, symptoms and signs of urticarial skin reactions and their management, including with antihistamines. International and Australian guidelines are used as the basis for discussing the …
Allergic rhinitis in children
This podcast will focus on the impact of allergic rhinitis (AR) on cognitive function and school performance in children. In episode one, the presenters discuss the common presentations of allergic …
Counselling in nasal and skin allergies
Nasal and skin allergies are common and can be debilitating, with many patients seeking over-the-counter treatments from a community pharmacy, making pharmacists best placed to provide counselling and advice on …
Tailoring over-the-counter treatments for patients with allergic rhinitis and urticaria
This article discusses the management of allergic rhinitis (AR) and urticaria with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. It will review how second-generation antihistamines are preferred options for AR and urticaria, particularly discussing …
Reacting to allergy symptoms
Australia has been touted as the ‘world’s allergy capital’ due to its high rates of allergies and anaphylaxis, and healthcare professionals say the number of cases continues to rise Allergies …
Changing concepts: Allergic Rhinitis
The concept of how we manage allergic rhinitis in the community is shifting, thanks to a growing understanding of patients’ perceptions and behaviour regarding treatment Allergic rhinitis is a common …
Rise in meds use
The number of Australians taking cold, flu and allergy medication has risen by almost 3 million in a decade While the rate of Australians’ overall medication consumption has risen only …
Clinical tips: allergic rhinitis
Don’t just let patients self-select a swallowed antihistamine… an intervention could really help, writes Ben Basger There is an interesting table in the Australian Medicines Handbook that lists the symptoms …