approving the antihistamine clemastine (Tavist) for cold symptoms
January 1996
An FDA advisory committee now recommends approving the antihistamine clemastine (Tavist) for cold symptoms.
This is a surprise. Experts had been saying that antihistamines DON'T help colds...because colds aren't caused by histamine, like allergies.
Now FDA advisors say that some antihistamines CAN help reduce runny nose and sneezing from colds. They say antihistamines might help because of their anticholinergic, or drying effect.
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