Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
Loratadine in the treatment of urticaria
1Milwaukee Medical Clinic, Wisconsin, USA.
Abstract:
Urticaria is a common skin disease, which in its chronic form, is a very disturbing condition. Because histamine is the best-documented chemical mediator of urticaria, histamine-antagonists are the mainstay of therapy. First-generation antihistamines are limited by their tendency to produce sedation and anticholinergic side effects. Most of the newer second generation antihistamines compare well with the earlier agents in efficacy but are not limited by the same adverse side effects. Loratadine may be distinguished from other second-generation antihistamines by its pharmacodynamic profile, as well as its tolerability and safety.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: First and Second-Generation Antihistamines
Histamine binds to specific receptor sites, known as H1 receptors, on tissue cells, triggering inflammation and swelling. Antihistamines combat these effects by competing with histamine for these receptor sites. By...
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists

