Abstract
Students with seasonal allergic rhinitis may experience decreased academic performance and productivity, not only as a result of the disease itself, but often also because of the sedative side effects of some of the antihistamines used in its treatment. Therefore, clinicians who work with students and young people must be able to select appropriate treatments that maximize performance and permit full participation in academic and physical events. This article reviews the effects of antihistamines on sedation and motor and cognitive function, and compares the effects of nonsedating second-generation antihistamines with those of classic antihistamines and other agents used in the pharmacologic treatment of young patients with allergic rhinitis. Because impaired performance in tasks involving motor and cognitive function is a potential concern for young patients involved in activities that have an element of physical risk (i.e., driving, swimming, manual labor jobs), antihistaminic treatment should not cause drowsiness or impair motor or cognitive function.
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