Antihistamines: a brief review

Abstract

The prevalence rates of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma appear to be increasing in many countries. Although several mediators are involved in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases, histamine plays a fundamental role, particularly in allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Produced and stored within the cytoplasmic granules of mast cells and basophils, histamine is released in large quantities during the immediate phase of allergic reactions.