ABSTRACT
H1-antagonists are commonly used in the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, acute and chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis. Allergic rhinitis and asthma affect a large percentage of the population. They are associated with high expenditures for medical care and high indirect costs due to work and school absences and decreases in productivity. These disorders lead to impaired quality of life for patients. With the changes occurring in the health care arena and continued decrease in monetary resources, cost and quality-of-life considerations must be assessed in addition to clinical efficacy and safety when evaluating pharmacological treatments.
