Which antihistamine is noted for potentially causing an oculogyric crisis?

The antihistamine that has been associated with the potential for causing an oculogyric crisis is cetirizine. This condition involves involuntary eye movements and can be triggered by certain medications, particularly those with central nervous system effects, including some antihistamines. Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine that is known to have some degree of sedation compared to its counterparts; this sedation can enhance the risk of neurological side effects, including oculogyric crises, particularly in susceptible individuals.

Despite being less sedating than first-generation antihistamines, cetirizine still has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to some extent, potentially leading to central nervous system side effects. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of this potential side effect, especially in patients who may already have disorders that predispose them to movement disorders or those taking other medications that affect the CNS.

The other antihistamines listed, such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and desloratadine, are typically less associated with sedative effects and, consequently, a lower risk of oculogyric crises, making cetirizine the standout option in this context.