Antihistaminic, H1-receptor; asthma prophylactic;
anti-allergic.
ChEBI: 1-Methyl-1,4-diazepane in which the hydrogen attached to the nitrogen at position 4 is substituted by a 1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl group. A relatively selective histamine H1 antagonist, it is used as the
ifumatate salt for allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and pruritic skin disorders, and in eyedrops for the symptomatic relief of allergic conjuntivitis.
Emedastine also is a newer antihistamine used topically in the eye for conjunctivitis. It has
very high H1 receptor selectivity characteristics, and it is structurally related to the
benzimidazoles, such as astemizole. Inhibition of mast cell release of inflammatory mediators
has been noted.
