Twenty percent of Americans will be older than 65 years by 2030, and without a dedicated geriatrics curriculum in many residency trainings programs, dermatologists may be less familiar with age-associated adverse effects of common dermatologic medications. Herein, we provide a practical guide and clinical safety pearls for the use of antihistamines in older adults. This Review aims to address the risks of antihistamines, anticholinergic burden and polypharmacy, pertinent preexisting medical conditions, and safe alternatives for aging adult patients.
Keywords: antihistamines; geriatric dermatology; pharmacokinetics; polypharmacy; pruritus.
Copyright © 2021 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.