Government Subsidized Antihistamines in New Zealand
Based on the available evidence, I cannot determine which antihistamines are government subsidized in New Zealand as this specific information is not provided in the evidence.
The evidence provided does not contain information about New Zealand's pharmaceutical subsidy system or which antihistamines are covered under government funding in New Zealand. The evidence primarily discusses clinical aspects of antihistamines including:
Types of Antihistamines Mentioned
First-Generation (Sedating) Antihistamines:
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Chlorphenamine (chlorpheniramine)
- Hydroxyzine
- Brompheniramine
- Clemastine
- Cyproheptadine
- Promethazine
- Triprolidine
- Doxepin
Second-Generation (Non-sedating) Antihistamines:
- Cetirizine
- Loratadine
- Fexofenadine
- Desloratadine
- Levocetirizine
- Acrivastine
- Azelastine (intranasal)
- Olopatadine (intranasal)
Clinical Considerations
The evidence discusses important clinical aspects of antihistamine selection:
Second-generation antihistamines are generally preferred due to their reduced sedative effects 1
Among second-generation antihistamines:
- Fexofenadine, loratadine, and desloratadine do not cause sedation at recommended doses
- Cetirizine may cause mild sedation (13.7% vs 6.3% placebo) 1
First-generation antihistamines have significant drawbacks:
- Cause sedation and performance impairment
- Have anticholinergic effects
- Should be avoided in elderly patients 1
Special populations:
- In renal impairment: Acrivastine should be avoided; cetirizine and levocetirizine doses should be halved 1
- In hepatic impairment: Mizolastine is contraindicated; chlorphenamine and hydroxyzine should be avoided in severe disease 1
- In pregnancy: All antihistamines should ideally be avoided, especially in first trimester 1
To determine which antihistamines are government subsidized in New Zealand, you would need to consult the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) formulary or the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Schedule, which are not provided in the evidence.