The Sound of Evolution
Azelastine
Mechanism of action:
Azelastine is an H1 antihistamine. It selectively antagonizes H1 histamine receptors, reducing histamine-induced vasodilation, capillary leakage, nasal mucosal edema, and itching. Azelastine can also inhibit mast cell degranulation, thereby decreasing the release of histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins.
Reference(s):
1. Horak F et al. (2008). Effectiveness of twice daily azelastine nasal spray in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Ther Clin Risk Manag.
2. Bernstein JA et al. (2007). Azelastine hydrochloride: a review of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and tolerability. Curr Med Res Opin.
3. Zha W et al. (2012). Simultaneous determination of azelastine and its major metabolite desmethylazelastine in human plasma using high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci.