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Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a highly prevalent respiratory condition that carries a heavy burden and can have a significant impact on patient quality of life. AR is caused by seasonal or perennial exposure to outdoor pollens and molds as well as indoor allergic triggers. In this review article, we discuss the factors associated with the development of AR throughout the year and the fact that patients with AR need continuous treatment rather than seasonal treatment. Conventionally, AR has been mainly categorized into seasonal AR and perennial AR, but these classes do not seem to be well-adapted. Climate changes, temperature changes, and high carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration affect the growth of plants and increase the length of pollen seasons and pollen allergenicity. Air pollution aggravates allergic sensitization symptoms in AR sensitized individuals. Due to increased air pollution and indefinite pollen seasons AR symptoms are present throughout the year. Patients with AR often need continuous treatment, which should be considered while making the strategy for treating allergic rhinitis sufferers. Management of AR involves avoiding the allergen, medications for symptomatic relief, anti-inflammatory therapies, and allergy immunotherapy. Although the first-generation H1-antihistamines reduce AR symptoms, they cause sedation and impair cognitive functions; thus, second-generation antihistamines (ie, levocetirizine, loratadine, bilastine, fexofenadine) are preferred. The efficacy and safety of fexofenadine for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) symptoms have been demonstrated by numerous clinical studies, irrespective of the season and underlying allergen. In this review, we discuss the allergic rhinitis classification, the role of climate change, air pollution, and factors contributing to year-round symptoms in patients with AR and the need for continuous pharmacological treatment for management.

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction, hyperresponsiveness, and remodeling. Asthma prevalence has increased significantly globally over the last decade, and it remains incurable to this date. Aims and Objectives: The present study evaluated some of the antiasthmatic medicinal plants to assess their mode of action. Materials and Method: Animal models for milk-induced leukocytosis, milk-induced eosinophilia, mast cell degranulation, clonidine-induced catalepsy, and active paw anaphylaxis were used to assess the pharmacological effects of Ammi visnaga, Medicago sativa, and Urtica dioica. Results: Mice pretreated with diazepam, methanolic extract of M. sativa, and U. dioica exhibited significant (P < 0.05) inhibition in milk-induced leukocytosis. However, only M. sativa showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) results. All plants showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) tendency to decrease milk-induced eosinophilia. Methanolic extracts of all plants significantly (P < 0.05) protected mast cells against degranulation by clonidine. A. visnaga and U. dioica significantly (P < 0.05) protected mice against clonidine-induced catalepsy. An acute treatment by M. sativa potentiated the catalepsy, while it significantly inhibited the catalepsy (P < 0.05) upon chronic treatment. In the allergic inflammation model, methanolic extracts of all plants under study decreased paw thickness in a statistically significant manner (P < 0.05). Conclusion: All the three plants in this study demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic effects, as well as decreased paw thickness, validate anti-allergic properties. A. visnaga showed a mast cell-stabilizing effect. A. visnaga and U. dioica inhibited the histamine-mediated clonidine-induced catalepsy from mast cells which proves the antihistaminic activity of these plants.

Abstract Background Treatment with commonly used drugs such as antidepressants (ADs), antipsychotics (APs), and benzodiazepines (BDs) may hamper the use of allergy skin testing due to possible antihistaminic effects. Objective To examine the antihistaminic effect of AD, AP, and BD as measured by the ability of these drugs to suppress the normal wheal reaction caused by skin prick test (SPT). Methods Skin prick test was performed in patients receiving treatment with AD, AP, and/or BD. Double SPT was performed with histamine solutions of 10, 30, and 100 mg/ml and mean wheal diameter calculated. Results A total of 313 patients were included. 236 (75%) patients were treated with one of the examined drugs and 77 (25%) patients with more than one of these drugs. Drugs most frequently used was sertraline (n = 65), citalopram (n = 63), mirtazapine (n = 36), venlafaxine (n = 33), and quetiapine (n = 32). Treatment with mirtazapine and/or quetiapine was associated with negative SPTs in 30/36 (83%) and 22/32 (69%), and the antihistaminic effect of these drugs was dose‐dependent. For patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or BD alone, almost all SPTs were positive (94%, 95%, 100%, and 100%, respectively). Negative SPTs in patients treated with SSRI, TCA, SNRI, or BD and ≥1 other of the examined drugs were associated with simultaneous treatment with mirtazapine or quetiapine in 39/44 (89%) patients. Conclusion Skin testing has little meaning in patients treated with mirtazapine or quetiapine. Treatment with SSRI, SNRI, and BD does not seem to affect the results of SPTs, whereas skin tests in patients treated with TCA should be interpreted with caution.

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction, hyperresponsiveness, and remodeling. Asthma prevalence has increased significantly globally over the last decade, and it remains incurable to this date. Aims and Objectives: The present study evaluated some of the antiasthmatic medicinal plants to assess their mode of action. Materials and Method: Animal models for milk-induced leukocytosis, milk-induced eosinophilia, mast cell degranulation, clonidine-induced catalepsy, and active paw anaphylaxis were used to assess the pharmacological effects of Ammi visnaga, Medicago sativa, and Urtica dioica. Results: Mice pretreated with diazepam, methanolic extract of M. sativa, and U. dioica exhibited significant (P < 0.05) inhibition in milk-induced leukocytosis. However, only M. sativa showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) results. All plants showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) tendency to decrease milk-induced eosinophilia. Methanolic extracts of all plants significantly (P < 0.05) protected mast cells against degranulation by clonidine. A. visnaga and U. dioica significantly (P < 0.05) protected mice against clonidine-induced catalepsy. An acute treatment by M. sativa potentiated the catalepsy, while it significantly inhibited the catalepsy (P < 0.05) upon chronic treatment. In the allergic inflammation model, methanolic extracts of all plants under study decreased paw thickness in a statistically significant manner (P < 0.05). Conclusion: All the three plants in this study demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic effects, as well as decreased paw thickness, validate anti-allergic properties. A. visnaga showed a mast cell-stabilizing effect. A. visnaga and U. dioica inhibited the histamine-mediated clonidine-induced catalepsy from mast cells which proves the antihistaminic activity of these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment with commonly used drugs such as antidepressants (ADs), antipsychotics (APs), and benzodiazepines (BDs) may hamper the use of allergy skin testing due to possible antihistaminic effects. Objective: To examine the antihistaminic effect of AD, AP, and BD as measured by the ability of these drugs to suppress the normal wheal reaction caused by skin prick test (SPT). Methods: Skin prick test was performed in patients receiving treatment with AD, AP, and/or BD. Double SPT was performed with histamine solutions of 10, 30, and 100 mg/ml and mean wheal diameter calculated. Results: A total of 313 patients were included. 236 (75%) patients were treated with one of the examined drugs and 77 (25%) patients with more than one of these drugs. Drugs most frequently used was sertraline (n = 65), citalopram (n = 63), mirtazapine (n = 36), venlafaxine (n = 33), and quetiapine (n = 32). Treatment with mirtazapine and/or quetiapine was associated with negative SPTs in 30/36 (83%) and 22/32 (69%), and the antihistaminic effect of these drugs was dose-dependent. For patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or BD alone, almost all SPTs were positive (94%, 95%, 100%, and 100%, respectively). Negative SPTs in patients treated with SSRI, TCA, SNRI, or BD and ≥1 other of the examined drugs were associated with simultaneous treatment with mirtazapine or quetiapine in 39/44 (89%) patients. Conclusion: Skin testing has little meaning in patients treated with mirtazapine or quetiapine. Treatment with SSRI, SNRI, and BD does not seem to affect the results of SPTs, whereas skin tests in patients treated with TCA should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Antivenoms or antitoxins have been effectively used for more than a century. During this time, these products have always proven to be highly effective in the treatment of infections and envenomations. However, antivenoms did not exhibit good safety results in their initial applications. After many improvements, antivenoms have substantially better safety profiles but still have some side effects. Due to the occurrence of adverse reactions, the practice of using premedication with the intent to decrease side effects has become accepted or mandatory in many countries. The drugs used for premedication belong to the histamine H1 antagonist, glucocorticoid and catecholamine groups. Currently, this practice is being questioned due to low or controversial efficacies in clinical assays. In this article, we discuss the causes of adverse reactions, the mechanisms of drugs that block the undesired effects and the results obtained in clinical trials. Although these three families of drugs could have positive effects on reducing adverse reactions, only adrenaline has demonstrated positive results in clinical assays.

Objective: This study assessed and compared in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Hippophae rhamnoides (HR) and Hippophae salicifolia (HS) seed oil. Materials and Methods: HR and HS seed oil was extracted by Soxhlet apparatus and characterized using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy. Wistar rats were used for predicting anti-inflammatory activity. Results: HR and HS (2 and 4 ml/kg, respectively) exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of carrageenan-, histamine-, prostaglandin-, bradykinin-, and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced paw edema. Significant leukotriene-induced inhibition was observed in HR. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lipid-peroxidase (LPO) assays were performed and HR and HS seed oil significantly decreased the level of MPO and LPO at 4 ml/kg dose (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Dual inhibition of AA metabolism in HR and cyclooxygenase inhibition in HS was observed that might be attributed to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), specifically, a correct balance of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs. However, the findings should be interpreted in the light of limitation of this study. Detailed experimentation at enzymatic levels would further help in substantiating the results inferred in this study. Abbreviations Used: AA: Arachidonic acid, ALA: Alpha linolenic acid, COX: Cyclooxygenase, EPA: Eicosapentaenoic acid, GCMS: Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, HR: Hippophae rhamnoides, HS: Hippophae salicifolia, ip: Intraperitoneal, LOX: Lipoxygenase, LPO: Lipid peroxidase, LTB4: Leukotriene B4, LTs: Leukotrienes, MPO: Myeloperoxidase, PGE2: Prostaglandin E2, PGs: Prostaglandins, PUFA: Poly unsaturated fatty acid, SBT: Seabuckthorn [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of anti-histaminic agents has been increased significantly from last decades and till now no method is available for quantitation of ALZ in human plasma which can be applied in a bioequivalence study using LC-MS/MS. Objective: The present study is concerned with the development and validation of ALZ in human plasma by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Materials and Methods: Sample preparation involved the extraction with liquid-liquid extraction method by using ethyl acetate as an organic solvent. Chromatographic separation was performed on Atlantis; T3 5 ΅m 4.6 mm Χ 150 mm column with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile: (10 mm ammonium formate buffer: Formic acid: 99.9:00.1 v/v) 50:50 v/v. The interface used with the application programming interface 4000 LC-MS/MS was a turbo ion spray in which positive ions were measured in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The precursor to product ions transition of m/z 299.30 → 100.20 amu and 305.30 → 106.30 amu were used for ALZ and ALZ D6 respectively. Results: The method was validated over the concentration range of 20.013-10006.551 pg/mL. The mean percent recovery of ALZ was found 77.771% with a precision of 7.71% and the lower limit of quantification was 20.013 pg/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision of the method at three concentrations was 0.98-4.50% and 1.57-5.72% while the intra- and inter-day % accuracy was 99.02-93.82% and 101.78-106.96%. Stability of compounds was established in a series of stability studies. The application of this method was demonstrated in the bioequivalence study and was found suitable in a study of sample size as big as 30 enrolled volunteers. Conclusion: For the very first time, a sensitive, selective and robust Liquid Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry method for the determination of alimemazine (ALZ) in human plasma has been developed and validated using ALZ D6 as an internal standard.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a highly prevalent respiratory condition that carries a heavy burden and can have a significant impact on patient quality of life. AR is caused by seasonal or perennial exposure to outdoor pollens and molds as well as indoor allergic triggers. In this review article, we discuss the factors associated with the development of AR throughout the year and the fact that patients with AR need continuous treatment rather than seasonal treatment. Conventionally, AR has been mainly categorized into seasonal AR and perennial AR, but these classes do not seem to be well-adapted. Climate changes, temperature changes, and high carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentration affect the growth of plants and increase the length of pollen seasons and pollen allergenicity. Air pollution aggravates allergic sensitization symptoms in AR sensitized individuals. Due to increased air pollution and indefinite pollen seasons AR symptoms are present throughout the year. Patients with AR often need continuous treatment, which should be considered while making the strategy for treating allergic rhinitis sufferers. Management of AR involves avoiding the allergen, medications for symptomatic relief, anti-inflammatory therapies, and allergy immunotherapy. Although the first-generation H 1 -antihistamines reduce AR symptoms, they cause sedation and impair cognitive functions; thus, second-generation antihistamines (ie, levocetirizine, loratadine, bilastine, fexofenadine) are preferred. The efficacy and safety of fexofenadine for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) symptoms have been demonstrated by numerous clinical studies, irrespective of the season and underlying allergen. In this review, we discuss the allergic rhinitis classification, the role of climate change, air pollution, and factors contributing to year-round symptoms in patients with AR and the need for continuous pharmacological treatment for management., Competing Interests: GDA, DAM, and IJA do not have conflict of interest for the present work. MMA is an employee of Sanofi and may hold shares or stock options in the company., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Asthma is a common disease that is rising in prevalence worldwide with the highest prevalence in industrialized countries. Asthma affects about 300 million people worldwide and it has been estimated that a further 100 million will be affected by 2025. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Folk (Tribal) medicines are the major systems of indigenous medicines. Over three-quarters of the world population relies mainly on plants and plant extracts for health care. Unlike many diseases, which can be attributed to the life style of modern man, asthma is an ancient illness. There are number of medicinal plants have been reported for antihistaminic/anti-asthmatic activities like Achyranthes aspera, Tephrosia purpurea, Dolichos lablab, Eclipta alba, Jasminum sambac, Balanites aegyptiaca, Viscum album, Tridex procumbens, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Cassia fistula. Present review is focused on used of medicinal plants for treatment of asthama. It is suggested that formulation and patent of the reported medicinal plants is mandatory for further use against asthma and if possible, clinical trials should be done of these plants for their appropriate use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new 10-(alkylamino)-8-methyl-2,6-dihydroimidazo[1,2-c]pyrimido[5,4-e]pyrimidine-5(3H)-thiones (4a-g) were subjected to molecular property prediction (drug-likeness, lipophilicity and solubility parameters) using Osiris Property Explorer, ALOGPS 2.1, Molinspiration and ACD/Chemsketch 12.0 software programmes. The calculated drug-related properties of the designed molecules were similar to those found in most marketed drugs. Amongst the proposed analogues, four promising candidates were chosen (4a-d) for synthesis on the basis of Lipinski's 'Rule of Five' and drug-likeness scores. The significant biological activity of the test compounds in two in vitro modes (isolated guinea pig tracheal chain preparation, isolated guinea pig ileum) supports the promise and accuracy of the prediction. Among them, 4a was the most potent antihistaminic (IC50 value of 30.2 µM; standard, chlorpheniramine maleate showed an IC50 of 14.1 µM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global prevalence of allergic rhinitis is high. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III reports a total estimated prevalence of 4.6% in Mexico. There is evidence based on allergic rhinitis Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG), but its promotion, acceptance and application is not optimal or adequate in Mexico. Objective: To generate a guideline for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma by adaptating the 2010 ARIA Guideline to Mexican reality, through a transculturation process applying the ADAPTE methodology. Material and method: Using the ADAPTE Methodology, the original 2010 ARIA CPG recommendations were evaluated by the guideline development group (GDG) into which multiple medical specialities managing patients with allergic rhinitis were incoorporated. The GDG valorated the quality of 2010 ARIA, checked and translated key clinical questions. Moreover, the GDG adjusted recommendations, patient preferences and included comments in the context of the Mexican reality (safety, costs and cultural issues). To accomplish this, we ran Delphi panels with as many rounds as necessary to reach agreement. One extra question, not included in the original 2010 ARIA, on the use of Nasal Lavages for AR was created sustained by a systematic literature review. Results: A total of 45 questions from the original 2010 ARIA were included and divided into six groups covering prevention, medical treatment, immunotherapy and alternative medicine to treat patients with allergic rhinitis with or without asthma. Most of the questions reached agreement in one or two rounds; one question required three rounds. Conclusions: An easy-to-use, adaptated, up-to-date and applicable allergic rhinitis guideline for Mexico is now available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of anti-histaminic agents has been increased significantly from last decades and till now no method is available for quantitation of ALZ in human plasma which can be applied in a bioequivalence study using LC-MS/MS. Objective: The present study is concerned with the development and validation of ALZ in human plasma by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/ MS). Materials and Methods: Sample preparation involved the extraction with liquid-liquid extraction method by using ethyl acetate as an organic solvent. Chromatographic separation was performed on Atlantis® T3 5 μm 4.6 mm × 150 mm column with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile: (10 mm ammonium formate buffer: Formic acid: 99.9:00.1 v/v) 50:50 v/v. The interface used with the application programming interface 4000 LC-MS/MS was a turbo ion spray in which positive ions were measured in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The precursor to product ions transition of m/z 299.30 → 100.20 amu and 305.30 → 106.30 amu were used for ALZ and ALZ D6 respectively. Results: The method was validated over the concentration range of 20.013-10006.551 pg/mL. The mean percent recovery of ALZ was found 77.771% with a precision of 7.71% and the lower limit of quantification was 20.013 pg/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision of the method at three concentrations was 0.98-4.50% and 1.57-5.72% while the intra- and inter-day % accuracy was 99.02-93.82% and 101.78-106.96%. Stability of compounds was established in a series of stability studies. The application of this method was demonstrated in the bioequivalence study and was found suitable in a study of sample size as big as 30 enrolled volunteers. Conclusion: For the very first time, a sensitive, selective and robust Liquid Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry method for the determination of alimemazine (ALZ) in human plasma has been developed and validated using ALZ D6 as an internal standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abrus precatorius Linn (Fabaceae) is a climbing shrub; leaves are pinnate with many pairs of leaflets. Leaves 5-10 cm long, leaflets 10-20 pairs, opposite, flowers are pink clustered. The roots, stems, and leaves contain glycyrrhizin, sweet in taste. Leaves are traditionally have been used in the treatment of fever, asthma and caries of teeth. Clonidine induces catalepsy by releasing histamine from mast cells which is responsible for different asthmatic conditions. The leaves of A. precatorius traditionally used for asthma, hence objective of present study was to evaluate antihistaminic activity of A. precatorius using clonidine induced catalepsy in mice. In present study ethanol extract of A. precatorius leaves (EAPL) at doses 100, 125, 150 mg/kg i.p were evaluated for antihistaminic activity using clonidine and haloperidol induced catalepsy in mice. Finding of investigation showed that chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) and EAPL inhibit clonidine induced catalepsy significantly P < 0.001 when compare to control group, while CPM fail to inhibit haloperidol induced catalepsy. Present study concludes that EAPL possesses antihistaminic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The antipsychotic drug prochlorperazine was screened in vitro for possible antimicrobial property against 157 strains of bacteria, belonging to Gram positive and Gram negative genera. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of prochlorperazine was determined by agar dilution method, which ranged from 25 to 200μg/ml with respect to most of the strains. Based on such findings, a further study was undertaken to determine whether the efficacy of this drug could be enhanced in the presence of an antihistaminic agent methdilazine, reported to have remarkable antimicrobial action. Four bacterial strains, sensitive to prochlorperazine as well as to three antibacterial chemotherapeutics, viz., methdilazine, fluphenazine and thioridazine were chosen. Disc diffusion tests with prochlorperazine and methdilazine revealed marked synergism between the combination, compared to their individual effects. The synergism was found to be statistically significant (p&#60;0.01). To assess the degree of synergism, the checkerboard analysis was performed. The FIC index of this combination turned out to be 0.37, which confirmed synergism. Therefore, this synergistic drug combination might open a new therapeutic approach to combat drug-resistance in bacterial infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of present research was to develop a fast releasing oral polymeric film, with good mechanical properties, instant disintegration and dissolution, producing an acceptable taste when placed on tongue. Solvent casting method was used to prepare oral films. Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, an antihistaminic was incorporated to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The polymers selected were HPMC E 15 and PVA. Propylene glycol was the plasticizers used. Nine batches of films with drug were prepared using different combinations of polymers and plasticizer concentration. The resultant films were evaluated for weight variation, content uniformity, folding endurance, thickness, surface pH, in vitro disintegration and in vitro dissolution. The optimized films which disintegrated in less than 30 sec, releasing 85-98% of drug within 2 minutes. The percentage release was varying with concentration of plasticizer and polymer. The films made with HPMC: PVA (1:2) released 96% of drug in 1 min, which was the best release amongst all.

This study was designed to evaluate antihistaminic and anticholinergic activities of Murraya koenigii leaves. To observe the activities ethanolic (Mk.Eth) and aqueous (Mk.Aq) extracts of M. koenigii through in vitro analysis, isolated guinea pig ileum, rabbit trachea and jejunum tissues were used and tissues responses were recorded by Power Lab data acquisition system connected with isotonic or isometric transducers. Mk.Eth and Mk.Aq showed rightward shift in histamine concentration response curves at 0.1-0.3mg/ml, when tested on isolated guinea pig ileums. Both extracts also relaxed carbachol (1µM) induced pre contracted isolated rabbit trachea and jejunum tissue, dose dependently but a more potent effect was observed with aqueous extract of M. koenigii. Keeping in view all the results, presence of antihistaminic and anticholinergic activities in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of M. koenigii leaves can be strongly suggested that provides sound basis for application of M. koenigii in airways and gastrointestinal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bauhinia racemosa Lam. (Caesalpiniaceae) leaves have been used in the treatment of asthma traditionally and we therefore undertook this study to scientifically validate its benefit in asthma using suitable animal models. Antihistaminic principles are known to be useful in the treatment of asthma; hence, in the present work, the antihistaminic activity of an ethanol extract of B. racemosa (at a dose of 50 mg/kg, i.p.) was assessed using clonidine-induced catalepsy and haloperidol-induced catalepsy in Swiss albino mice. The results showed that the ethanol extract inhibits clonidine-induced catalepsy but there is no effect on haloperidol-induced catalepsy. This suggests that the inhibition is through an antihistaminic action and that there is no role of dopamine. Hence, we concluded that the ethanol extract has significant antihistaminic activity. The polar constituents in the ethanol extract of leaves of B. racemosa may be responsible for the antihistaminic activity and B. racemosa may therefore have a role in the treatment of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of the title compounds were synthesized and characterized by spectral data. All the compounds were evaluated for in vitro antihistaminic activity by inhibition of isotonic contractions induced by histamine on isolated guinea pig ileum and the compound 6-k showed significant activity. A few compounds have also been screened for in vivo bronchodilatory activity. These compounds exhibited significant protection against histamine-induced convulsions in guinea pig at the dose of 50 µmol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The empathetic knowledge about the drug-electrolyte interactions is imperative in understanding the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of drug. Therefore in the present paper, the effect of aqueous electrolytic solutions on the micellization behavior of an antihistaminic drug diphenhydramine.HCl (DPH) has been extensively examined through conductometric, fluorometric and spectrophotometric studies. The effect of various electrolytes occurring in the body fluid on self-association behavior of DPH was evaluated in terms of critical micelle concentration (CMC) obtained by conductivity and spectroscopic data over the temperature range (298.15–313.15) K with the regular interval of 5 K. The so obtained CMC data is used to calculate standard Gibbs free energy change of micellization (Δ G m o ), entropy change of micellization (Δ G m o ), and enthalpy change of micellization (Δ H m o ), for the aforesaid drug in the presence of various electrolytes. The standard thermodynamic parameters of micellization were used to examine various solute-solvent interactions existing in drug-electrolyte-water system under discussion. Various thermodynamic parameters viz. Δ G m o , Δ H m o , and Δ G m o found to support the fact that electrolytes favor the association behavior of the DPH, which is further validated by pseudo-phase model. Unlabelled Image • Self aggregation of antihistaminic drug DPH investigated in aqueous electrolytic solutions. • NaCl, KCl, RbCl, MgCl 2 , CaCl 2 , and SrCl 2 have facilitated micellization of drug DPH. • CMC of drug DPH depends on cationic size of electrolytes. • Thermodynamic parameters Δ G m o , Δ H m o , and Δ G m o explained the stability of micelles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, characterization and application of hydroxyethyl methyl morpholinium azide (HEM Morph)N 3 as a new azide-based ionic liquid (ABIL) has been described. (HEM Morph)N 3 is used as a source of azide and reaction media for three components 'Click' Huisgen cycloaddition reaction between O -propargyl oxime ether and alkyl bromide to acquire novel aromatic O -oxime ethers-1,2,3-triazole conjugates as potential antihistaminic agents in good yields. The influence of parameters like temperature, amount of IL, type of azide-based ionic liquids and its reusability is investigated. The (HEM Morph)N 3 is proved to be an efficient, thermally stable, inexpensive and recyclable azide-based ionic liquid which can be easily synthesized and used as both azide's source and reaction media for 'Click' Huisgen cycloaddition reaction. Unlabelled Image • Hydroxyethyl methyl morpholinium azide (HEM Morph)N 3 is a new ionic liquid • The synthesis, characterization and application of (HEM Morph)N 3 were described • (HEM Morph)N 3 is an azide source and media used in Click Huisgen cycloaddition • Compounds similar to H 1 antihistamines were synthesized using (HEM Morph)N 3 • (HEM Morph)N 3 is simple in synthesis, stable, inexpensive and recyclable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present research was to develop a fast releasing oral polymeric film, with good mechanical properties, instant disintegration and dissolution, producing an acceptable taste when placed on tongue. Solvent casting method was used to prepare oral films. Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, an antihistaminic was incorporated to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The polymers selected were HPMC E 15 and PVA. Propylene glycol was the plasticizers used. Nine batches of films with drug were prepared using different combinations of polymers and plasticizer concentration. The resultant films were evaluated for weight variation, content uniformity, folding endurance, thickness, surface pH, in vitro disintegration and in vitro dissolution. The optimized films which disintegrated in less than 30 sec, releasing 85-98% of drug within 2 minutes. The percentage release was varying with concentration of plasticizer and polymer. The films made with HPMC: PVA (1:2) released 96% of drug in 1 min, which was the best release amongst all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An established characteristic of neoplastic cells is their metabolic reprogramming, known as the Warburg effect, with greater reliance on energetically less efficient pathways (such as glycolysis and pentose phosphate shunt) compared with oxidative phosphorylation. This results in an overproduction of acidic species that must be extruded to maintain intracellular homeostasis. We recently described that blocking the proton currents in leukemic cells mediated by Hv1 ion channels triggers a marked intracellular acidification and apoptosis induction. Moreover, histamine H1-receptor antagonists were found to induce apoptosis in tumoral cells but the mechanism is still unclear. By using Jurkat T cells, we now show how diphenhydramine inhibits Hv1 mediated currents, inducing a drop in intracellular pH and cellular viability. This provides evidence of a new target structure responsible of the known pro-apoptotic action of antihistaminic drugs.

Insomnia is very common during childhood (30% of children under 5), and causes a serious cognitive and emotional consequence in learning, as well as significant medical comorbidity. It also affects the quality of life, not only of the child, but also of the whole family. Paediatrician training in its diagnosis and treatment is usually poor. For this reason a consensus document is presented on the management of insomnia in children and adolescents. This has been developed by members of the Spanish Paediatrics Association, the Spanish Sleep Society, the Spanish Society of Paediatric Outpatient and Primary Care, the Spanish Adolescent Medicine Society, the Spanish Child and Adolescent Society, and the Spanish Paediatric Neurology Society. The group suggests that diagnosis must be clinical and complementary tests will only be required in doubtful cases or when a differential diagnosis is needed. Likewise, treatment should be mainly based on cognitive-behavioural therapy and the modification of sleeping habits. Using medicines and other substances to make the sleep easier is currently quite common, even although there are no clinical guidelines to support this., (Copyright © 2016 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Levocetirizine HCl, a second-generation piperazine derivative and H1-selective antihistaminic agent, possesses few side effects. The first objective of the study was to compare and evaluate the taste-masking effect of different ratios of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and mannitol on levocetirizine HCl using an inclusion complex and solid dispersion, respectively. The second objective was to study the possibility of preparing and evaluating effervescent tablets from the best-chosen taste-masked blends for the purpose of their use either as orodispersible tablets or as water-soluble effervescent tablets, according to patients' will., Materials and Methods: Prepared taste-masked blends were prepared and subjected to palatability, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry studies. Tablets containing different percentages of effervescent mixtures were prepared by direct compression on the selected taste-modified blends. Evaluation tests were conducted, including flowability and compressibility on the precompressed blends and hardness, friability, wetting time, effervescent time, in vitro, in vivo disintegration time, and in vitro dissolution study on the compressed tablets. Formulated tablets were evaluated and compared to marketed orodispersible tablets for mouth feel and palatability., Results: All prepared tablets showed convenient physical and palatability properties compared to the selected brand. The in vitro drug-release study revealed fast release of levocetirizine HCl within 5 minutes from all prepared tablets., Conclusion: Levocetirizine HCl effervescent tablets are likely to increase patient compliance with drug administration. Moreover, the use of these effervescent tablets in an orodispersible dosage form can improve oral drug bioavailability and act as an attractive pediatric dosage form.

A series of new 10-(alkylamino)-8-methyl-2, 6-dihydroimidazo[1, 2-c]pyrimido[5, 4-e]pyrimidine-5(3H)-thiones (4a-g) were subjected to molecular property prediction (drug-likeness, lipophilicity and solubility parameters) using Osiris Property Explorer, ALOGPS 2.1, Molinspiration and ACD/Chemsketch 12.0 software programmes. The calculated drug-related properties of the designed molecules were similar to those found in most marketed drugs. Amongst the proposed analogues, four promising candidates were chosen (4a-d) for synthesis on the basis of Lipinski's 'Rule of Five' and drug-likeness scores. The significant biological activity of the test compounds in two in vitro modes (isolated guinea pig tracheal chain preparation, isolated guinea pig ileum) supports the promise and accuracy of the prediction. Among them, 4a was the most potent antihistaminic (IC50 value of 30.2 μM; standard, chlorpheniramine maleate showed an IC50 of 14.1 μM).

Background: The global prevalence of allergic rhinitis is high. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III reports a total estimated prevalence of 4.6% in Mexico. There is evidence based on allergic rhinitis Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG), but its promotion, acceptance and application is not optimal or adequate in Mexico., Objective: To generate a guideline for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma by adaptating the 2010 ARIA Guideline to Mexican reality, through a transculturation process applying the ADAPTE methodology., Patients and Method: Using the ADAPTE Methodology, the original 2010 ARIA CPG recommendations were evaluated by the guideline development group (GDG) into which multiple medical specialities managing patients with allergic rhinitis were incoorporated. The GDG valorated the quality of 2010 ARIA, checked and translated key clinical questions. Moreover, the GDG adjusted recommendations, patient preferences and included comments in the context of the Mexican reality (safety, costs and cultural issues). To accomplish this, we ran Delphi panels with as many rounds as necessary to reach agreement. One extra question, not included in the original 2010 ARIA, on the use of Nasal Lavages for AR was created sustained by a systematic literature review., Results: A total of 45 questions from the original 2010 ARIA were included and divided into six groups covering prevention, medical treatment, immunotherapy and alternative medicine to treat patients with allergic rhinitis with or without asthma. Most of the questions reached agreement in one or two rounds; one question required three rounds., Conclusions: An easy-to-use, adaptated, up-to-date and applicable allergic rhinitis guideline for Mexico is now available.

The aim of present research was to develop a fast releasing oral polymeric film, with good mechanical properties, instant disintegration and dissolution, producing an acceptable taste when placed on tongue. Solvent casting method was used to prepare oral films. Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, an antihistaminic was incorporated to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The polymers selected were HPMC E 15 and PVA. Propylene glycol was the plasticizers used. Nine batches of films with drug were prepared using different combinations of polymers and plasticizer concentration. The resultant films were evaluated for weight variation, content uniformity, folding endurance, thickness, surface pH, in vitro disintegration and in vitro dissolution. The optimized films which disintegrated in less than 30 sec, releasing 85-98% of drug within 2 minutes. The percentage release was varying with concentration of plasticizer and polymer. The films made with HPMC: PVA (1:2) released 96% of drug in 1 min, which was the best release amongst all.

Hedychium spicatum (Ham-ex-Smith), known as Shati in Ayurvedic classics, is documented for the treatment of cough, hiccough, fever and asthma. The present study includes the evaluation of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the dried rhizome of H. spicatum for anti-histaminic and ulcer-protective activities in guinea pig (GP), anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in rat and acute toxicity in mouse. The extracts were administered orally, daily as suspension, in 1% carboxymethyl cellulose either for 7 days in GP studies or 60 min before or just before experiment in rats and mice. An initial dose-dependent anti-histaminic action of both the extracts (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was performed against histamine-induced bronchospasm in GPs. The 200 mg/ kg dose of aqueous and ethanolic extracts was selected both in GP and rat for further studies. GPs treated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed gastric ulcer protection against histamine-induced gastric ulcer compared with the control group. Both the extracts also showed an anti-inflammatory effect against carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats from 1 h onwards, and this was maximum at 3 h. Analgesic effect was determined by using hot plate and tail flick tests in rats, and both the extracts at 200 mg/kg showed a significant increase in the latent period from 30 min onwards till 120 min of their study period. Both the extracts did not show any toxic effect like increased motor activity, salivation, clonic convulsion, coma and death in mice even at the 2000 mg/kg dose (nearly 10 times of the optimal effective dose), indicating the safety of the extracts. The result confirms the indigenous use of this plant in respiratory disorders.