ATC Group: S01GX Other antiallergics

Alcaftadine is an H₁ histamine receptor antagonist and inhibitor of the release of histamine from mast cells. Decreased chemotaxis and inhibition of eosinophil activation has also been demonstrated.

Azelastine, a phthalazinone derivative is classified as a potent long-acting anti-allergic compound with selective H₁ antagonist properties. An additional anti-inflammatory effect could be detected after topical ocular administration. Data from in vivo (pre-clinical) and in vitro studies show that azelastine inhibits the synthesis or release of the chemical mediators known to be involved in early and late stage allergic reactions e.g. leukotriene, histamine, PAF and serotonin.

Sodium cromoglicate (Cromoglicic acid) inhibits the activation of many of the cell types involved in the development and progression of asthma. Thus, sodium cromoglicate inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators including cytokines from mast cells and reduces the chemotactic activity of eosinophils and neutrophils.

Emedastine is a potent selective and topically effective histamine H₁ antagonist. In vivo topical ocular administration of emedastine produces a concentration-dependent inhibition of histamine-stimulated conjunctival vascular permeability.

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 H₂receptor. Epinastine also possesses affinity for the α₁, α₂, and 5-HT₂–receptors.

Ketotifen is a histamine H₁-receptor antagonist. In vivo animal studies and in vitro studies suggest the additional activities of mast cell stabilisation and inhibition of infiltration, activation and degranulation of eosinophils.

Levocabastine is a potent, fast-acting and highly selective histamine H1-antagonist with a sustained duration of action.

Lodoxamide is a mast cell stabiliser that inhibits the in vivo Type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction in animals and man.

Nedocromil is a non-steroidal agent, which has anti-inflammatory properties when administered topically in the lung. In the treatment of bronchial asthma, nedocromil sodium reduces bronchospasm, cough and bronchial hyperreactivity and improves objective measurements of lung function.

Olopatadine is a potent selective antiallergic/antihistaminic agent that exerts its effects through multiple distinct mechanisms of action.