Pharmacologic Substance
terfenadine
Effect:
Decreased Histamine Activity
May Treat:
Rhinitis, Allergic; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Skin Diseases
Definitions related to terfenadine:
  • A prodrug that is metabolized by intestinal CYP3A4 to the active form fexofenadine, a selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist with antihistaminic and non-sedative effects. Terfenadine's active metabolite competitively binds peripheral H1-receptors, thereby stabilizing an inactive conformation of the receptor. Consequently, usual allergic responses as a result of mast-cell degranulation followed by the release of multiple inflammatory mediators, such as interleukins, prostaglandins, and leukotriene precursors, are blocked, thereby preventing the triggering of pro-inflammatory pathways.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist devoid of central nervous system depressant activity. The drug was used for ALLERGY but withdrawn due to causing LONG QT SYNDROME.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.