Newer-generation antihistamines and the risk of adverse events in
children: a systematic review
Abstract
Background: H1-antihistamines (AHs) are widely used for the treatment of
allergic diseases, being one of the most commonly prescribed classes of
medications in Pediatrics. Newer-generation AHs are associated with
fewer adverse effects compared to first-generation. However, their
relative harms in the pediatric population still need scrutiny. Methods:
We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
which included comparisons of safety parameters between an orally
administered newer-generation AH with another AH (first- or second-
generation), montelukast or placebo in children aged≤12 years. We
searched MEDLINE and CENTRAL, independently extracted data on study
population, interventions, adverse events (AEs) and treatment
discontinuations, and assessed the methodological quality of the
included RCTs using the Cochrane’s risk of bias tool. Results:
Fourty-five RCTs published between 1989 and 2017 met eligibility
criteria. The majority of RCTs included school-aged children with
allergic rhinitis and had a follow-up period of up to a month. Four RCTs
reported serious AEs in patients receiving a newer-generation AH, but
only two patients experienced a possibly drug-related serious AE. The
occurrence of AEs, drug-related AEs and treatment discontinuations due
to AEs varied between RCTs. Most AEs reported were of mild intensity.
Indirect evidence indicates that cetirizine is more sedating than the
other newer-generation AHs. Conclusion: Our findings confirm that
newer-generation AHs have a favorable safety and tolerability profile.
However, we could not draw firm conclusions regarding the comparative
safety profile of the newer-generation AHs due to the paucity of
head-to-head RCTs, variation in definitions and reporting of AEs, and
short follow-up duration.