JAMA Netw Open

First-generation antihistamines linked to seizure risk in young children

September 5, 2024

Use of first-generation antihistamines was associated with a 22.0% higher seizure risk in children, especially among those ages 6 to 24 months, highlighting the need for careful and judicious prescription of first-generation antihistamines in young children.

• This Korean cohort study used a self-controlled case-crossover design and included children born between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2005, who visited the ED for seizure events. Odds ratios (ORs) for seizure events were estimated using a conditional logistic regression model, comparing first-generation antihistamine prescription 1 to 15 days before seizure (hazard period) vs. control period 1 (31-45 days before the event) and control period 2 (61-75 days before the event).
• Of 11,729 children who had a seizure event, 3,178 (55.9% boys) were identified as having been prescribed antihistamines during the hazard or the control period, but not both. Seizure events were predominantly observed in children aged 6 to 24 months (31.0%) and 25 months to 6 years (45.5%). During the hazard period, 1,476 first-generation antihistamine prescriptions were recorded, vs. 1,239 and 1,278 prescriptions during control periods 1 and 2, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, first-generation antihistamine prescription was associated with an increased seizure event risk during the hazard period (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.22; 95% CI, 1.13-1.31).

Source:

Kim JH, et al. (2024, August 28). JAMA Netw Open. First-Generation Antihistamines and Seizures in Young Children. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39196558/