U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Divider Arrow National Institutes of Health Divider Arrow NCATS

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Alcaftadine is a broad-spectrum antihistamine displaying a high affinity for histamine H1 and H2 receptors and a lower affinity for H4 receptors. It also exhibits modulatory action on immune cell recruitment and mast cell stabilizing effects. Alcaftadine is an inhibitor of the release of histamine from mast cells. Decreased chemotaxis and inhibition of eosinophil activation has also been demonstrated. LASTACAFT® (alcaftadine ophthalmic solution) indicated for the prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.
Bepotastine is a non-sedating, selective antagonist of the histamine 1 (H1) receptor. It belongs to the second-generation piperidine chemical class. It is a mast cell stabilizer and suppresses the migration of eosinophils into inflamed tissues. Bepotastine was approved in Japan for use in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and uriticaria/puritus in July 2000 and January 2002, respectively, and is marketed by Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd. under the brand name Talion. It is available in oral and opthalmic dosage forms in Japan. The opthalmic solution is FDA approved since Sept 8, 2009 and is under the brand name Bepreve.
Status:
First approved in 2003

Class (Stereo):
CHEMICAL (RACEMIC)



Epinastine (brand names Alesion, Elestat, Purivist, Relestat) is a second-generation antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer. Epinastine is a topically active, direct H1-receptor antagonist and an inhibitor of the release of histamine from the mast cell. Epinastine is selective for the histamine H1-receptor and has affinity for the histamine H2 receptor. Epinastine also possesses affinity for the α1-, α2-, and 5-HT2 –receptors. Epinastine does not penetrate the blood/brain barrier and, therefore, is not expected to induce side effects of the central nervous system. Elestat ophthalmic solution is indicated for the prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.
Desloratadine is an active, descarboethoxy metabolite of loratadine. It acts by selective inhibition of H1 histamine receptor and thus provides relief to patients with allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Desloratadine was approved by FDA and it is currently marketed under the name Clarinex (among the others).
Status:
First approved in 1999

Class (Stereo):
CHEMICAL (ACHIRAL)



Ketotifen is a cycloheptathiophene blocker of histamine H1 receptors and release of inflammatory mediators. It has been proposed for the treatment of asthma, rhinitis, skin allergies, and anaphylaxis. Ketotifen was developed in 1970 by Sandoz Pharmaceuticals of Switzerland. It is a benzocycloheptathiophene derivative and was initially marketed as an inhibitor of anaphylaxis. The pharmacodynamic properties of ketotifen are many, because it is an inhibitor of the release and/or activity of mast cell and basophil mediators, including histamine, neutrophil, and eosinophil chemotactic factors, arachidonic acid metabolites, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. Properties of ketotifen which may contribute to its antiallergic activity and its ability to affect the underlying pathology of asthma include inhibition of the development of airway hyper-reactivity associated with activation of platelets by PAF (Platelet Activating Factor), inhibition of PAF-induced accumulation of eosinophils and platelets in the airways, suppression of the priming of eosinophils by human recombinant cytokines and antagonism of bronchoconstriction due to leukotrienes. Ketotifen is marketed under many brand names worldwide. Ketotifen inhibits the release of mediators from mast cells involved in hypersensitivity reactions. Decreased chemotaxis and activation of eosinophils have also been demonstrated. Ketotifen also inhibits cAMP phosphodiesterase.
Status:
First approved in 1996

Class (Stereo):
CHEMICAL (RACEMIC)



Fexofenadine is a second-generation, long lasting H1-receptor antagonist (antihistamine) which has a selective and peripheral H1-antagonist action. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the signs that are part of allergic reactions, such as the swelling of tissues. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes the cell to be "activated," releasing other chemicals which produce the effects that we associate with allergy. Fexofenadine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of cells by histamine. Unlike most other antihistamines, Fexofenadine does not enter the brain from the blood and, therefore, does not cause drowsiness. Fexofenadine lacks the cardiotoxic potential of terfenadine, since it does not block the potassium channel involved in repolarization of cardiac cells. Fexofenadine is sold under the trade name Allegra among others. ALLEGRA is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children 2 years of age and older.
Azelastine, a phthalazine derivative, is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer. Azelastine is oxidatively metabolized to the principal active metabolite, desmethylazelastine, by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. It is indicated for the relief of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis. The most common adverse reactions are: pyrexia, dysgeusia, nasal discomfort, epistaxis, headache, sneezing, fatigue, somnolence, upper respiratory infection, cough, rhinalgia, vomiting, otitis media, contact dermatitis, and oropharyngeal pain. Concurrent use of Azelastine with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants should be avoided because reductions in alertness and impairment of central nervous system performance may occur.
Olopatadine is an antihistamine (as well as anticholinergic and mast cell stabilizer) used to treat itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies). Olopatadine is a selective histamine H1 antagonist that binds to the histamine H1 receptor. This blocks the action of endogenous histamine, which subsequently leads to temporary relief of the negative symptoms brought on by histamine. Olopatadine is devoid of effects on alpha-adrenergic, dopamine and muscarinic type 1 and 2 receptors. Some known side effects include a headache (7% of occurrence), eye burning and/or stinging (5%), blurred vision, dry eyes, foreign body sensation, hyperemia, keratitis, eyelid edema, pruritus, asthenia, sore throat (pharyngitis), rhinitis, sinusitis, and taste perversion.
Levocetirizine is the active enantiomer of cetirizine. It is inverse agonist of H1 receptors. Levocetirizine hydrochloride was approved for treatment of Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria.
Lodoxamide is a mast-cell stabilizer for topical administration into the eye. This compound belongs to the class of organic compounds known as alpha amino acids and derivatives. Lodoxamide inhibits the in vivo Type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction. In vitro, Lodoxamide stabilizes mast cells and prevents antigen-stimulated release of histamine. In addition, Lodoxamide prevents the release of other mast cell inflammatory mediators and inhibits eosinophil chemotaxis. Although Lodoxamide's precise mechanism of action is unknown, the drug has been reported to prevent calcium influx into mast cells upon antigen stimulation. Among side effects to Lodoxamide, the most frequently reported ocular adverse experiences were transient burning, stinging, or discomfort upon instillation. Nonocular events reported were headache and heat sensation, dizziness, somnolence, nausea, stomach discomfort, sneezing, dry nose, and rash.