[Second generation non-sedative antihistaminics].

In the 1980's a new group of antihistamines was developed, which has got, besides its increased efficiency, fewer by effects. Considering their pharmacokinetic characteristics and effects, the requirements the modern second generation antihistamine should meet, can be summarized as follows: the modern antihistamine should be selective, peripheral H1 receptor antagonist, should have a low affinity to the H1 receptors of the brain, be void of antikolinerg and antiserotonin effect, should stabilize the membrane of the mastocytes and/or have an impeding effect on eosinophil accommodation. The introduction of modern, second generation antihistamines was started by terfenadin in 1985, and was followed by astemizole, loratadine and cetirizine in 1988. The author gives a thorough survey of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the second generation antihistamines and their clinical importance.