A multiyear cross-sectional study of U.S. national prescribing patterns of first-generation sedating antihistamines in older adults with skin disease

Antihistamine safety in older adult dermatologic patients

Twenty percent of Americans will be older than 65 years by 2030, and without a dedicated geriatrics curriculum in many residency trainings programs, dermatologists may be less familiar with age-associated adverse effects of common dermatologic medications. Herein, we provide a practical guide and clinical safety pearls for the use of antihistamines in older adults. This Review aims to address the risks of antihistamines, anticholinergic burden and polypharmacy, pertinent preexisting medical conditions, and safe alternatives for aging adult patients.

The pharmacology of itch

The article has been co-published with permission in British Journal of Dermatology and British Journal of Pharmacology. The articles are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal's style. Either citation can be used when citing this article.