Mast cell stabilizers are medications used to prevent or control certain allergic disorders. They block

mast cell A mast cell (also known as a mastocyte or a labrocyte) is a resident cell of connective tissue that contains many granules rich in histamine and heparin. Specifically, it is a type of granulocyte derived from the myeloid stem cell that is a pa ...

degranulation, stabilizing the cell and thereby preventing the release of

histamine Histamine is an organic nitrogenous compound involved in local immune responses, as well as regulating physiological functions in the gut and acting as a neurotransmitter for the brain, spinal cord, and uterus. Since histamine was discovered in ...

and related mediators. One suspected pharmacodynamic mechanism is the blocking of IgE-regulated calcium channels. Without intracellular calcium, the histamine vesicles cannot fuse to the cell membrane and degranulate. As inhalers they are used to treat

asthma Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and easily triggered bronchospasms. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, c ...

, as nasal sprays to treat

hay fever Allergic rhinitis, of which the seasonal type is called hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red ...

(allergic rhinitis) and as eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis. Finally, in oral form, they are used to treat the rare condition of mastocytosis.

Examples

Mast cell stabilizer medications include: *

β2-adrenergic agonist Beta2-adrenergic agonists, also known as adrenergic β2 receptor agonists, are a class of pharmaceutical drug, drugs that act on the Beta-2 adrenergic receptor, β2 adrenergic receptor. Like other Beta-adrenergic agonist, β adrenergic agonis ...

s * Cromoglicic acid * Ketotifen * Loratadine *

Desloratadine Desloratadine (trade names Clarinex and Aerius) is a tricyclic H1 inverse agonist that is used to treat allergies. It is an active metabolite of loratadine. It was patented in 1984 and came into medical use in 2001. Medical uses Desloratad ...

Methylxanthine Xanthine ( or ; archaically xanthic acid; systematic name 3,7-dihydropurine-2,6-dione) is a purine base found in most human body tissues and fluids, as well as in other organisms. Several stimulants are derived from xanthine, including caffeine, ...

s * Olopatadine * Rupatadine * Mepolizumab * Omalizumab * Pemirolast *

Quercetin Quercetin is a plant flavonol from the flavonoid group of polyphenols. It is found in many fruits, vegetables, leaves, seeds, and grains; capers, red onions, and kale are common foods containing appreciable amounts of it. It has a bitter flavor ...

* Nedocromil * Azelastine * Tranilast * Palmitoylethanolamide *

Vitamin D Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and many other biological effects. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 ...

* Bilastine

References

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