Rate-dependent blockade of a potassium current in human atrium by the antihistamine loratadine

摘要

1. The antihistamine loratadine is widely prescribed for the treatment of symptoms associated with allergies. Although generally believed to be free of adverse cardiac effects, there are a number of recent reports suggesting that loratadine use may be associated with arrhythmias, in particular atrial arrhythmias. 2. Nothing is known regarding the potassium channel blocking properties of loratadine in human cardiac cells.