Betahistine: what's new on the agenda?

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Barak N

Betahistine: what's new on the agenda?

Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2008 May;17(5):795-804. doi: 10.1517/13543784.17.5.795 .

PubMed ID

18447604 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Betahistine is an orally administered, centrally acting histamine H(1) receptor agonist with partial H(3) antagonistic activity and no H(2)-binding effects. In the past betahistine was clinically studied mainly as a vasodilator for conditions such as cluster headaches, vascular dementia and Meniere's disease, for which it is still used. In recent years, histamine was found to be a key neurotransmitter in the regulation of feeding behavior. OBJECTIVE: To provide a review of the developmental history and current research interests of betahistine. METHODS: All reports of betahistine use in animals and humans were retrieved and reviewed. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The unique pharmacologic properties of betahistine point to its potential future use as an antiobesity agent.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Betahistine	Histamine H1 receptor	Protein	Humans	Yes	Agonist	Details
Betahistine	Histamine H3 receptor	Protein	Humans	Yes	Antagonist	Details