High-dose antihistamines for chronic spontaneous urticaria in adults.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common skin disease characterised by intermittent weals (hives), angioedema or both lasting for at least 6 weeks.1-3 Second-generation antihistamines are widely used to manage symptoms but are not completely effective in many patients at licensed doses.4 Some guidelines recommend off-label use of high-dose antihistamines as the next therapeutic step.2,3 Here, we review the evidence supporting this recommendation.