antihistamines
Management of chronic spontaneous urticaria by pharmacists
Community pharmacists should be able to identify patients with symptoms of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and recommend non-sedating antihistamines when appropriate as first-line therapy. When symptoms are severe, persistent, or …
Kids’ allergy: is allergic rhinitis ruining their best days?
Allergic rhinitis (AR), commonly referred to as hayfever, is the most common allergic disorder in Australia and New Zealand. It is often underdiagnosed, undertreated and sub-optimally self-treated.1 Presented by Dr …
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 …
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 …
Little role for sedating antihistamines: Experts
Newer, less sedating forms can be safely taken long term with no loss of efficacy, according to latest evidence In a new article for Australian Prescriber, immunology experts have concluded …
TGA issues medicines safety update
Pharmacists have been reminded that first-generation oral sedating antihistamines are not approved for use in kids under two Following a coronial hearing of a fatal case involving a 74-day-old infant …