Clemastine, also known as meclastin, is an antihistamine and anticholinergic. Unlike loratadine or fexofenadine, clemastine is a sedating antihistamine; however, it exhibits fewer other side effects than most of the widely used antihistamines. Clemastine is also classified as an antipruritic (i.e., it stops itching).
Video Clemastine
Indications
Clemastine is indicated for use in treating allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, pruritus and lacrimation.
Maps Clemastine
Side effects
Overdosage symptoms are paradoxical, ranging from CNS depression to stimulation. Stimulation is most common in children, and is usually followed by excitement, hallucinations, ataxia, loss of coordination, muscle twitching, athetosis, hyperthermia, cyanosis, convulsions, tremors, and hyperreflexia. This may be followed by postictal depression and cardiovascular/respiratory arrest. Other common overdose symptoms include dry mouth, fixed dilated pupils, flushing of the face, and pyrexia. In adults, overdose usually leads to CNS depression, ranging from drowsiness to coma.
Pharmacology
Clemastine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic and sedative effects. Antihistamines competitively bind to histamine receptor sites, thus reducing the neurotransmitter's effects. Effects of histamine (which are countered by antihistamines) include:
- Increased capillary permeability
- Increased capillary dilatation
- Edema (i.e., swelling)
- Pruritus (Itch)
- Gastrointestinal/respiratory smooth muscle constriction
Clemastine inhibits both the vasoconstrictor and vasodilator effects of histamine. Depending on the dose, the drug can produce paradoxical effects, including CNS stimulation or depression.
Most antihistamines exhibit some type of anticholinergic activity. Antihistamines act by competitively binding to H1-receptor sites, thus blocking the binding endogenous histamine. Antihistamines do not chemically inactivate or prevent the normal release of histamine.
Clemastine does also act as FIASMA (functional inhibitor of acid sphingomyelinase).
Clemastine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and peak plasma concentrations are attained in 2-4 hours. Antihistamines are thought to be metabolized in the liver, mostly by mono-/didemethylation and glucuronide conjugation. It is an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 CYP2D6 and may interfere with other drugs metabolized by this isozyme.
Mechanism of action
Clemastine is a selective histamine H1 antagonist. It binds to the histamine H1 receptor, thus blocking the action of endogenous histamine, which leads to temporary relief of the negative symptoms caused by histamine.
Society and culture
Clemastine is an OTC drug, and is available under many names and dosage forms worldwide. Most common brand name is Tavegyl.
References
External links
- NIH Medline Plus listing on Clemastine
- The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of clemastine and phenylpropanolamine in single-component and combination formulations
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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