Abstract
Histamine plays a prominent and diverse role in the pathophysiology of allergic disease and therapeutic intervention is therefore typically focused on blocking the effects of this biogenic amine. A new antihistamine, levocetirizine, is the R-enantiomer of cetirizine dihydrochloride and like its parent compound undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism. Levocetirizine has pharmacodynamically and pharmacokinetically favourable characteristics, including high bioavailability, rapid onset of action, limited distribution and a low degree of metabolism. Clinical trials indicate that it is safe and effective for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria with a minimal number of untoward effects. Furthermore, several recent studies have demonstrated that, in addition to its being a potent antihistamine, levocetirizine has several anti-inflammatory effects that are observed at clinically relevant concentrations that may enhance its therapeutic benefit.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2711-2715 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Current Medicinal Chemistry |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 22 |
Publication status | Published - 2006 |
Keywords
- levocetirizine
- antihistamine
- allergy
- anti-inflammatory
- chronic idiopathic urticaria
- persistent allergic rhinitis
- healthy adult volunteers
- placebo-controlled trial
- quality-of-life
- double-blind
- histamine
- asthma
- desloratadine
- cetirizine