To determine whether histamine2 (H2)-receptor antagonists are effective in the treatment of allergic reactions such as rhinitis and urticaria.
Methods:
A MEDLINE search of current literature revealed 13 journal articles for review. Literature evaluation was conducted.
Conclusions:
H2-antagonists alone did not seem to prevent allergic reactions. While further studies are needed to clearly define the mechanism of the beneficial effects seen with combined H1.- and H2-antagonist therapy, there are no convincing data to suggest that H2-antagonists used alone have any therapeutic value in the prevention of allergic rhinitis or urticaria.
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