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Table 2 Side effects of the different generations of antihistamines

From: Fexofenadine: review of safety, efficacy and unmet needs in children with allergic rhinitis

Class

Central nervous system

Cardiovascular

Toxic high dose

First-generation

agitation, confusion, dystonia, dyskinesia, hallucinations, headache impairment in coordination, learning, memory, psychomotor and sensorimotor functions, and sedation

dose-dependent sinus tachycardia, reflex tachycardia, atrial refractory period prolongation and supraventricular

arrhythmias

severe CNS and cardiac side effects, may lead to death unless treated

Second-generation

variable (such as sedation with cetirizine) Minimal or no side effects

no side effects

no severe side effects or deaths reported

  1. CNS, central nervous system