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Second-generation oral antihistamines are among the most common medications given to young children. To assess their efficacy and safety, researchers conducted an industry-funded systematic review and meta-analysis of nine randomized, controlled trials, each lasting 2 to 16 weeks and involving oral antihistamines (OAHs), oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), or both in children 2 to 12 years of age.
OAHs were more effective than placebo, with mean differences of −1.6 for total nasal symptom score (minimally important difference [MID], 0.28) in seasonal allergic rhinitis and −0.83 for quality-of-life scores (MID, 0.5) in perennial allergic rhinitis.
An OAH plus an LTRA did not demonstrate additional benefit over an O…