About Allergies: The FDA Approves a New Sedating Antihistamine for Children

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new first generation sedating antihistamine for use in children. Karbinal ER (carbinoxamine maleate) is an extended-release syrup that is indicated for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in children 2 years of age and older. The manufacturuer states that this medication fills a need for children who "don't respond to the use of second-generation antihistamines and aren't satisfied with the cumbersome dosing schedules associated with the first-generation antihistamines". As a practicing allergist, I'm not too excited about Karbinal ER becoming available. First-generation antihistamines are, in general, too sedating for routine use for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, especially in children. I'm not against the occasional use of such a medication -- such as nighttime use when a child may be sleeping anyways -- but the purpose of an extended release product is typically for routine dosing. There are FAR BETTER choices for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children, such as second generation antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids and intranasal antihistamines -- with FAR FEWER side effects. Therefore, it will be doubtful that I'll be recommending Karbinal ER to many of my patients. How Allergies Affect Children Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting up to 40% of all children. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis commonly include sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, itchy nose, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. While allergic rhinitis is not typically a life-threatening medical condition, it can make children miserable and affect many aspects of their lives. The Pediatric Allergies in America Survey, published in 2009, sought to determine the effects of allergic rhinitis on children. This study surveyed over 35,000 households in the United States, and determined common symptoms of allergies, effects of allergies on quality of life, and the effects of medications on allergy symptoms. Everything You Need to Know About Antihistamines Histamine is a chemical that is normally produced in the body and stored in allergic cells, such as mast cells and basophils. In people with allergies, histamine is released from these cells in a response to allergens. Histamine binds to the histamine receptor, which is present on various cells in the body, and results in allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy nose, hives, or even anaphylaxis. Antihistamines are medications that block the receptor for histamine, thereby stopping the symptoms that histamine causes. Antihistamines are commonly used for the treatment of various allergic diseases, and can be taken in oral, nasal spray, eye drop, and injected forms. Search Related Topics:  allergy medications  allergy treatment  allergy shots Treatment Options for Allergic Rhinitis When avoidance measures fail or are not possible, many people will require medications to treat their allergic rhinitis symptoms. The choice of medication depends on numerous questions to be answered by the person or person's physician: 1. How severe are the symptoms? 2. What are the symptoms? 3. What medication can the person get (over the counter, prescription)? 4. What medication will the person take? 5. Is the medication needed daily or intermittently? 6. What side effects might the person experience from the medications? Search Related Topics:  allergist  antihistamines  allergy testing Frequently Asked Questions A brief, question and answer format of the most commonly asked questions about allergic diseases. These questions are some of the most common questions I am asked in my allergy clinic. The answers are brief, but in many cases have a link to a full-length article on the subject if more information is needed. Related Searches FDA Drug Allergies Allergies Treatment Allergy or Allergies Children Allergies Featured Articles Nose and Eye Allergies Skin Allergies Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding   More from About.com 10 Easy Ways to Look Thinner Don't wait until you've lost those first pounds to make these simple, slimming changes. Read more...> Create a Shared Photo Stream Sharing your photo stream with friends and family is a great way to keep in touch. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement