What are mast cell stabilizers?
Mast cell stabilizers are a group of medicines. Mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of histamine and other potent chemical mediators from mast cells. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that are part of our immune system and play an important role in our body's response to antigens.
Mast cells are involved in allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, anaphylaxis, autoimmune diseases, eczema, scabies, asthma and reproductive disorders.
The mast cell stabilizers nedocromil and cromolyn work by blocking a calcium channel that is required for mast cell degranulation.
Mast cell stabilizers are used to prevent the symptoms of asthma and seasonal or chronic allergic rhinitis.