Application of antihistamines in special populations

Antihistamines, a group of drugs most commonly used for the treatment of allergic diseases in dermatology, exert favorable efficacy and are well tolerated in most people. Due to their wide application, the safety of medication is particularly important. When they are used in some special populations with allergic diseases, such as children, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly and people with hepatic or renal insufficiency, their pharmacodynamics, metabolic characteristics and interactions with other drugs should be fully considered, and profits of medication and potential adverse effects should be well weighed before choosing relatively safe antihistamines. In addition, decreasing the routine dose or prolonging intervals between the administration of antihistamines may also be attempted to achieve maximum safety. Key words: Histamine H1 antagonists; Pregnant women; Child; Aged; Hepatic insufficiency; Renal insufficiency