Oral H1 Blockers

Medication

Available Preparations

First-generation*

Available only as combination products with a decongestant or an antitussive, which are not recommended for children < 6 years

4-, 8-, and 12-mg tablets

2 mg/5 mL elixir

8- and 12-mg tablets (sustained-release, single-entity)

Available only as combination products with a decongestant or an antitussive, which are not recommended for children < 6 years

2-mg chewable tablets

4-, 8-, and 12-mg tablets

Extended-release: 12-mg tablets or capsules

2 mg/5 mL syrup

1.34- and 2.68-mg tablets

0.67 mg/5 mL syrup

4-mg tablets

2 mg/5 mL syrup

2-mg tablets

2 mg/5 mL syrup

4- and 6-mg tablets (extended-release)

25- and 50-mg capsules or tablets

12.5-mg chewable tablet

12.5 mg/5 mL elixir

12.5 mg/mL syrup

25-, 50-, and 100-mg capsules

10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-mg tablets

10 mg/5 mL syrup

25 mg/5 mL oral suspension

Safer alternatives preferred for allergic disorders in children

12.5-, 25-, and 50-mg tablets

6.25 mg/5 mL and 25 mg/5 mL syrup

Second-generation

5- and 10-mg tablets

1 mg/mL syrup

5-mg tablets

0.5 mg/mL syrup

30-, 60-, and 180-mg tablets

30-mg orally disintegrating tablets

6 mg/mL oral suspension

5-mg tablets

0.5 mg/mL oral solution

10-mg tablets and capsules

5-mg chewable tablets

5- and 10-mg disintegrating oral tablets

1 mg/mL syrup

1 mg/mL oral solution

Mizolastine

10-mg tablets

* Most first-generation antihistamines have strong anticholinergic properties. Generally, they should not be used in older adults or in patients with glaucoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia, constipation, delirium, dementia, or orthostatic hypotension. These medications commonly cause sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and orthostatic hypotension.

In children, first-generation antihistamines should be used only as needed given their potential adverse effects, particularly when combined with other medications; second-generation antihistamines are preferred for allergic rhinitis.

Brompheniramine and chlorpheniramine