| Antihistamines are H1-receptor antagonists that provide symptomatic relief of allergic signs caused by histamine release, including pruritus and anaphylactic reactions. They are also used as sedatives and antiemetics. Antihistamines belong to different classes and are categorized as first- or second-generation (also called nonsedating) antihistamines. First-generation antihistamines may cause adverse effects because of their cholinergic activity and ability
to cross the blood-brain barrier. Second-generation antihistamines are more lipophobic than first-generation antihistamines and are thought to lack CNS and cholinergic effects at therapeutic doses. Antihistamines are often found in combination with other ingredients in many OTC cold, sinus, and allergy medications. |
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Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation propylamine-derivative antihistamine. Oral absorption of chlorpheniramine in dogs is rapid and complete, reaching peak plasma concentrations in 30-60 min. Chlorpheniramine maleate undergoes substantial first-pass effect. Chlorpheniramine and its metabolites are primarily excreted in urine. The recommended dose in cats and dogs is 1-2 mg and 2-8 mg respectively, PO, bid-tid. Mild clinical signs such as depression and
GI upset have been reported for dosages <1 mg/kg. Significant clinical signs such as ataxia, tremors, depression or hyperactivity, hyperthermia, and seizures may be seen within 6 hr of ingestion of large amounts. |
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Dimenhydrinate and
diphenhydramine are first-generation ethanolamine-derivative antihistamines. Diphenhydramine is well absorbed orally in people, but undergoes first-pass metabolism in the liver with only 40-60% of the drug reaching the systemic circulation. Peak plasma concentrations of ethanolamine-derivative antihistamines occur within 1-5 hr; elimination half-lives vary from 2.4-10 hr. A recommended dose for dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine in cats and dogs is 4-8 mg/kg and 2-4
mg/kg, respectively. Hyperactivity or depression, hypersalivation, tachypnea, and tachycardia are the most common adverse signs reported with these antihistamines, generally within 1 hr of exposure. |
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Promethazine hydrochloride is an ethylamino derivative of phenothiazine and first-generation antihistamine used for the management of motion sickness. Promethazine is widely distributed in body tissues and readily crosses the placenta. Overdoses may result in CNS depression or excitation. CNS depression was reported in a dog 30 min after ingesting 1 mg/kg of promethazine. |
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Meclizine is a first-generation piperazine-derivative antihistamine commonly used as an antiemetic. Peak plasma concentrations occur within 2-3 hr of oral administration. Meclizine is primarily excreted as metabolites in urine, with a reported serum half-life of 6 hr. In cases involving <33 mg/kg of meclizine in dogs, only mild hyperactivity or depression has been reported. |
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Loratadine is a tricyclic long-acting antihistamine with selective peripheral histamine H1-receptor antagonist activity. In humans, loratadine is well absorbed orally and extensively metabolized to an active metabolite. Most of the parent drug is excreted unchanged in the urine. The mean elimination half-life in humans is 8.4 hr. Loratadine appears to have a large margin of safety in laboratory animals. No deaths were reported at oral doses up to 5
g/kg in rats and mice. In rats, mice, and monkeys, no clinical signs were observed at 10 times the maximum recommended human daily oral dose. |
| Treatment: |
| Treatment of antihistamine toxicosis is primarily symptomatic and supportive. Emesis should only be considered in asymptomatic patients. Activated charcoal may be useful for recent ingestion. Cardiovascular function and body temperature should be closely monitored. Diazepam can be used to control seizures or seizure-type activity. Physostigmine is recommended to counteract the CNS anticholinergic effects of antihistamine overdoses in people, although the risk of seizures
associated with this drug may limit its use. IV fluids should be given as needed. |
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