A review of Antihistamines and the Common Cold

Abstract

Antihistamines, used alone and in combination with other drugs, were initially promoted for the treatment of a viral upper respiratory infection (URI) during the late 1940's. Their popularity grew with the claim that these drugs aborted further development of a cold if taken shortly after the onset of symptoms. Increasing use of antihistamines resulted from subsequent claims that they appeared to shorten the duration of a cold and, at present, antihistamines and combination cold preparations containing these agents are promoted for the symptomatic relief of colds. Current use and expenditure reflects the general acceptance of these drugs by both patients and physicians for use in treating a cold. National marketing research data estimate that approximately 94% of office visits for a cold result in prescriptions for the patient, of which one third are prescriptions for antihistamimc combination preparations. Other data estimate that 3.5 million prescriptions were written for cough and cold preparations containing antihistamines in 1972. Consumer expenditures were over $600 million a year for nonprescription cough and cold remedies in 1972. Despite their apparent popularity, many cough and cold remedies contaming antihistamines have been deemed less than effective by the National Academy of Science, and the Food and Drug Administration has begun an inquiry which may result in action to require manufacturers of these agents to comply with limitations on components and advertising claims. Although there are a number of reports in the literature regarding the effectiveness of antihistamines for the treatment of the common cold, the conflicting nature of the results has led to considerable confusion over the merits of these drugs.