Paper I
2025 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Mast cell stabilizers.

Q73 marksShort Notes

Answer

Mast cell stabilizers prevent degranulation of sensitized mast cells on antigen re-exposure, blocking release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other inflammatory mediators.

Examples: Sodium cromoglycate, Ketotifen, Nedocromil.

MOA: thought to inhibit calcium influx into mast cells (mechanism incompletely understood), preventing the degranulation step itself rather than blocking the released mediators’ receptors.

Uses: prophylaxis of allergic (extrinsic) bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis. Effective only for prevention — no direct bronchodilator action, so of no use in an acute attack already in progress.

Adverse effects: minimal — throat irritation, cough with inhaled formulations; among the safest anti-asthma prophylactic agents, making them a useful option in children.

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