Answer: daily.
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) impairs quality of life and the aim is to control symptoms but no consensus exists regarding how second-generation H(1)-antihistamines should be taken long-term: daily or only PRN.
Mast cells. Image source: Wikipedia.
Histamine structure. Image source: Wikipedia.
In a French study, the patients taking desloratadine daily showed significant improvements in scores for daily living activity, mood state, and social functioning vs PRN use.
The authors concluded that desloratadine 5 mg po is a better regimen than PRN for treatment of CIU.
Mind map diagram of chronic urticaria.
References:
How to prescribe antihistamines for chronic idiopathic urticaria: desloratadine daily vs PRN and quality of life. Grob JJ, Auquier P, Dreyfus I, Ortonne JP. Allergy. 2008 Dec 30.
Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Hives)
Autologous serum skin test in chronic idiopathic urticaria
Urticaria: A Short Review
Mind Maps: Urticaria
Mnemonics: Urticaria
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) impairs quality of life and the aim is to control symptoms but no consensus exists regarding how second-generation H(1)-antihistamines should be taken long-term: daily or only PRN.
Mast cells. Image source: Wikipedia.
Histamine structure. Image source: Wikipedia.
In a French study, the patients taking desloratadine daily showed significant improvements in scores for daily living activity, mood state, and social functioning vs PRN use.
The authors concluded that desloratadine 5 mg po is a better regimen than PRN for treatment of CIU.
Mind map diagram of chronic urticaria.
References:
How to prescribe antihistamines for chronic idiopathic urticaria: desloratadine daily vs PRN and quality of life. Grob JJ, Auquier P, Dreyfus I, Ortonne JP. Allergy. 2008 Dec 30.
Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Hives)
Autologous serum skin test in chronic idiopathic urticaria
Urticaria: A Short Review
Mind Maps: Urticaria
Mnemonics: Urticaria
Patient response to different antihistamines will vary http://goo.gl/Q2PiV