Acrivastine: a review of its dermatopharmacology and clinical activity

The general human and skin pharmacology of acrivastine, its clinical utility and some important concepts of the use of H1-antihistamines in dermatology are discussed. The drug has potent H1-antihistamic activity yet a low sedative profile as compared with first generation agents. Acrivastine is rapidly absorbed with peak inhibition of flare areas occurring at 90 min and peak activity against weals at 120 min after drug administration. No accumulation of the drug following multiple dosing has been demonstrated. Due to these effects the drug has a high level of patient acceptability and a high level of useful activity in a range of histamine-mediated dermatoses.