Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE drugs play a crucial role in asthma management.

Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn, and nedocromil, impede mast cell activation, preventing histamine release without affecting smooth muscle tone.

These drugs can be administered via the inhalation route. They effectively alleviate symptoms like nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.

Minor adverse effects like throat irritation, cough, wheezing, and unpleasant taste sensations are generally limited to deposition sites.

However, their usage is restricted by weak anti-inflammatory effects and short duration of action.

Omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody, targets IgE. This inhibits IgE binding to mast cells, preventing mast cell degranulation.

It is administered subcutaneously to effectively lower plasma IgE levels, asthma severity, and frequency of asthma exacerbations.

It is generally well tolerated, but mild adverse effects such as injection-site reactions, viral or upper respiratory tract infections, and potential anaphylactic reactions are possible.