Antihistamines for children with otitis media.

QUESTION: Otitis media is a very common condition in pediatrics and can be quite distressing for children and their parents. Is there a role for antihistamines and decongestants in the management of acute otitis media orotitis media with effusion in children? ANSWER: Traditionally, antihistamines and decongestants have been used in the treatment of otitis media;however, recent guidelines, which are based on study findings with negative results, recommend against routine use. No antihistamine-decongestant combination has been shown to be of clinically significant benefit,and there are potential adverse events that need to be taken into account.