Mast cell stabilisers

Topical mast cell stabilisers are best used for prophylaxis of allergic eye symptoms. Sodium cromoglicate is effective in most people. Lodoxamide and nedocromil are more expensive, but may be worth trying in people with inadequate response to sodium cromoglicate. Mr JA cannot use eye drops because he wears contact lenses therefore nasal corticosteroids are recommended. 

Sodium cromoglicate is known as a mast cell stabiliser. Its mode of action is not entirely understood but it is thought to act by stabilising mast cell membranes and preventing their degranulation. It counteracts both the early and late response to allergen exposure. 

Sodium cromoglicate and lodoxamide are mast cell stabilisers. Both are used four times daily and are suitable for children. 

Samiulla DS, Prashanth D, Amit A (2001) Mast cell stabilising activity of Bacopa monnieri. Fitoterapia 72 284-285... 

Prevention of mast cell degranulation membrane stabilisation. 

Adrenaline is used in anaphylactic shock because its mix of actions, cardiovascular and bronchial, provide the best compromise for speed and simplicity of use in an emergency it may also stabilise mast cell membranes and reduce release of vasoactive autacoids (see p. 280). Patients who are taking nonselective p-blockers may not respond to adrenaline (use salbutamol i.v.) and indeed may develop severe hypertension (see below). 

Pj-adrenoceptor agonists. The predominant adrenoceptors in bronchi are of the type and their stimulation causes bronchial muscle to relax. adrenoceptor activation also stabilises mast cells. Agonists in widespread use include salbutamol, terbutaline, fenoterol, eformoterol and salmeterol, and are discussed in Chapter 22. Salmeterol is longer-... 

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