Bepotastine besilate downregulates the expression of nerve elongation factors in normal human epidermal keratinocytes

H1-antihistamines are used as the first choice of medication for pruritus and inflammation resulting from allergic diseases such as urticaria. Second-generation H1-antihistamines (e.g. bepotastine) hardly penetrate the blood-brain barrier, and thus exhibit only mild sedative effects or are non-sedating [1,2]. These agents have both antihistamine and antiallergic effects, such as suppressing the release of chemical mediators by stabilizing mast cells [3]. Recently, it was reported that some second-generation H1-antihistamines have beneficial effects on pruritus in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients [4].