Recommendations

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

ASCIA is the professional body for allergy & clinical immunology in Australia & New Zealand. ASCIA is a member of the World Allergy Organisation (WAO) & is affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).

1.
Don’t use antihistamines to treat anaphylaxis – prompt administration of adrenaline (epinephrine) is the only treatment for anaphylaxis.

Date reviewed: 30 November 2017

For emergency treatment of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) it is important to promptly administeradrenaline (epinephrine) by intramuscular injection using an adrenaline autoinjector if available, or by using adrenaline ampoules and syringe (the latter is only suitable in a medical setting). There is a high risk of potential harm (disability or death) from anaphylaxis if it is not treated promptly with adrenaline. There are also cost implications from delayed or inappropriate treatment of anaphylaxis, such as additional ambulance, emergency department and hospital costs, as well as additional anxiety for patients and their families or carers. Antihistamines are recommended for treatment of mild and moderate allergic reactions, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), but have no role in treating or preventing respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms of anaphylaxis. In particular, oral sedating antihistamines should never be used in patients with anaphylaxis as side effects (drowsiness or lethargy) may mimic some signs of anaphylaxis. Injectable promethazine should not be used in anaphylaxis as it can worsen hypotension and cause muscle necrosis.

For further information go to www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis

Supporting evidence
  • Sheikh et al, ‘H1-antihistamines for the treatment of anaphylaxis: Cochrane systematic review’, Allergy. 2007 Aug;62(8):830-7.
  • Cox et al, ‘Allergen immunotherapy: a practice parameter third update’, J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Jan;127(1 Suppl):s1–55.
  • Lieberman et al, ‘The diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis practice parameter 2010 update’, J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Sep;126(3):477-80.e1–42.
  • Andreae, D. and M. Andreae, ‘Should Antihistamines be Used to Treat Anaphylaxis?’, BMJ. 2009;338:b2489.
How this list was made How this list was made

The RACP Strategic Policy and Advocacy group assisted ASCIA in compiling the original list of 25 tests, treatments and services, that have been identified either in past work by ASCIA, other literature reviews or in evidence reviews performed by overseas specialist physician bodies or health agencies as being overused, inappropriate or of limited effectiveness.

Two electronic surveys were sent to ASCIA members who are Fellows of the RACP (256 members in total) in February 2015 and March 2015, to firstly rank a top 5 from the list of 25, and secondly to review the wording and rankings of the top 5 recommendations. The overall response rate for these surveys was 20%. All ASCIA members and relevant patient organisations were then invited to review the list.


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