Betahistine: what's new on the agenda?

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.

• Authors: Nir Barak
• Journal: Expert opinion on investigational drugs (Expert Opin Investig Drugs) Vol. 17 Issue 5 Pg. 795-804 (May 2008) ISSN: 1744-7658 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18447604 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Histamine Agonists
• Receptors, Histamine H1
• Betahistine

Topics

• Animals
• Betahistine (chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Cluster Headache (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Drug Evaluation
• Histamine Agonists (chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Meniere Disease (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Molecular Structure
• Obesity (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Receptors, Histamine H1 (metabolism)