[General review of a non-sedative antihistaminic, astemizole (Hismanal), a H1 receptor antagonist].

The non-sedating antihistamine Astemizole seems to approach all the major characteristics of the ideal histamine H1 antagonist, according to a comprehensive review of 54 clinical trials and clinical use in over 6,500,000 patients worldwide. The following statements concerning Astemizole can now be made: Astemizole is more potent than any other known antihistamine, following Astemizole therapy, H1 blockade is complete in the main target tissues, such as nasal and ocular mucosa, this blockade is also specific, since all histamine-mediated signs and symptoms respond to the drug, this blockade is maintained, since tolerance does not appear during long-term treatment. Astemizole is a non-sedative and non-toxic drug, even during chronic use. Astemizole is very effective in patients with chronic urticaria. Astemizole has well-documented beneficial protective effects on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction.