4 ms·
Only Anticholinergic drugs appear to be associated dementia (but as noted the evidence is very weak). Older first generation antihistamines such as Diphenhydra
by grumpy-de-sre 2y ago
Only Anticholinergic drugs appear to be associated dementia (but as noted the evidence is very weak).
Older first generation antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Doxylamine (Nyquil) have substantial Anticholinergic activity.
A lot of the second generation antihistamines have no significant Anticholinergic activity, eg. Azelastine.
Benadryl and Nyquil are terrible drugs. Why they haven't been phased out is beyond me. At least Azelastine is now OTC in the USA.
- yard2010 2y agoCorrect me if I'm wrong, desloratadine won't pass the BBB so I guess it shouldn't cause dementia
- grumpy-de-sre 2y agoDesloratadine is considered to have a low anticholinergic burden, and of course not crossing the BBB readily should reduce risks further. But it is one of the more anticholinergic second gen antihistamines, make of that what you will, still miles behind something like Benadryl. Fexofenadine is apparently a less anticholinergic alternative.