drug treatments

Last reviewed 01/2018

The following drugs affect histamine synthesis, release, action at post-synaptic receptors, or mimic the action of histamine:

  • H2-receptor antagonists, used in:
    • peptic ulceration
    • peptic oesophagitis
    • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
    • undiagnosed dyspepsia
    • treatment of NSAID-associated ulcers
    • preventing erosions in hepatic coma patients
    • preventing acid aspiration in obstetric patients at delivery
  • mast cell-stabilizers: used in asthma with an allergic basis, particularly in children
  • antihistamines, used in:
    • treatment of nasal allergies
    • preventing and treating urticaria, pruritus, insect bites and stings, and drug allergies
    • as an adjunct to the treatment of anaphylaxis
    • the treatment of vestibular disorders including motion sickness and Meniere's disease