Experts from the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology say that first generation H1 antihistamines can be dangerous and should no longer be available over-the-counter (OTC).
Apparently, the older style antihistamines have now been linked to both health and social problems, including:
- poor sleep
- poor work performance or learning ability
- accidents with vehicles of all kinds due to drowsiness
- deaths due to accidental overdose in children and infants
- suicides for both teenagers and adults
The report says that it may not be in the public safety to have these drugs still available without a prescription.
First generation antihistamines have been around for over half a century. They are part of a class of drugs called H1 antihistamines; however, the older versions of these drugs usually have a much more significant sedative effect than newer ones.
The newer H1 antihistamines not only have less drowsiness but now have a track record of reliability and effectiveness, with fewer side effects. This is the reason that the report cites for removing older antihistamine drugs from OTC status.
Source: CORDIS
