Usage
Histamine Dihydrochloride + Human Normal Immunoglobulin + Sodium Thiosulphate is prescribed for various allergic conditions. These include eczema, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, generalized skin allergies, migraine headaches, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and respiratory distress. It aids in preventing and treating these conditions.
It is classified as an immunotherapy agent.
This combination medication works by modulating the immune response to allergens. The human normal immunoglobulin component provides antibodies that neutralize histamine, a chemical mediator of allergic reactions. The histamine dihydrochloride component, paradoxically, also contributes to reducing allergic responses.
Alternate Names
While this medication doesn’t have a universally recognized International Nonproprietary Name (INN), it is often referred to as “Histamine + Human Normal Immunoglobulin + Sodium Thiosulphate” or “Histamine Dihydrochloride/Human Normal Immunoglobulin/Sodium Thiosulphate combination.” A common brand name is Histoglob.
How It Works
Pharmacodynamics: Human Normal Immunoglobulin contains antibodies that neutralize histamine, thereby reducing allergic symptoms. Histamine Dihydrochloride, in this specific combination and at the very low dose used, also helps regulate the immune response to allergens and may suppress the maturation of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions). Sodium Thiosulphate is believed to have some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pharmacokinetics: The medication is administered subcutaneously. Absorption from the subcutaneous site is relatively slow and sustained. The immunoglobulin component is distributed throughout the body via the lymphatic system. The metabolism and elimination pathways of the individual components in this specific combination have not been extensively studied. Human normal immunoglobulin generally has a half-life of several weeks. Histamine is rapidly metabolized, primarily by the enzymes diamine oxidase and histamine-N-methyltransferase. Sodium thiosulphate is primarily renally excreted.
Mode of Action: Human Normal Immunoglobulin provides preformed antibodies that bind to and neutralize histamine, thus mitigating the effects of histamine on target cells. The mode of action of the very small dose of histamine dihydrochloride in this combination is not fully understood but may involve modulation of immune cells, including suppressing eosinophil maturation. Sodium thiosulphate may have an antioxidant role, but its exact contribution to this combination is not fully elucidated.
Dosage
Standard Dosage
Adults: 1 ml injection subcutaneously every 4 days for a total of 3 injections. The course may be repeated after one month. For chronic allergic conditions, booster doses may be given 3 and 6 months after the initial course.
Children: 1 ml injection subcutaneously every 8 days for a total of 3 injections. The course may be repeated after one month.
Special Cases:
- Elderly Patients: No specific dosage adjustments are explicitly mentioned, but cautious use is advisable.
- Patients with Renal Impairment: No specific dosage adjustments are explicitly mentioned, but caution is advised as sodium thiosulfate is primarily excreted renally.
- Patients with Hepatic Dysfunction: No specific dosage adjustments are explicitly mentioned.
- Patients with Comorbid Conditions: No specific dosage adjustments are available, but it is essential to consider the patient’s overall health status and coexisting medical conditions.
Clinical Use Cases
Specific dosage recommendations for clinical situations like intubation, surgical procedures, mechanical ventilation, ICU use, or emergency situations are not explicitly available for this particular medication.
Dosage Adjustments
Dose modifications based on patient-specific factors like renal/hepatic dysfunction or other metabolic disorders have not been precisely defined for this combination product. Clinical judgment is required.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Information on common side effects is limited.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
Information on rare or serious side effects is limited.
Long-Term Effects
Information on long-term side effects is limited.
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR)
Information regarding ADRs is not extensively documented.
Contraindications
Specific contraindications have not been extensively documented for this combined preparation. Use with caution in patients with a history of autoimmune diseases or hypersensitivity to any component.
Drug Interactions
Detailed data on drug interactions for this combined preparation are not readily available. As it contains human normal immunoglobulin, it could theoretically interfere with the response to live vaccines.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The safety of this medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been extensively established. It should be used only if clearly needed, and after careful consideration of potential risks and benefits.
Drug Profile Summary
- Mechanism of Action: Human Normal Immunoglobulin neutralizes histamine, modulating allergic responses. Histamine Dihydrochloride and Sodium Thiosulphate further aid in regulating the immune response.
- Side Effects: Information is limited regarding specific side effects.
- Contraindications: Use with caution in patients with autoimmune diseases or hypersensitivity to any component.
- Drug Interactions: Limited data available. Potential interaction with live vaccines.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety not established. Use with caution.
- Dosage: Adults: 1 ml SC every 4 days x 3 doses. Children: 1 ml SC every 8 days x 3 doses.
- Monitoring Parameters: Monitor for allergic reactions and clinical response.
Popular Combinations
No specific popular drug combinations are commonly used with this particular combination product.
Precautions
- General Precautions: Screen patients for allergies to blood products.
- Specific Populations: Use cautiously in pregnant/breastfeeding women, children, and the elderly, considering the limited safety data available.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the recommended dosage for Histamine Dihydrochloride + Human Normal Immunoglobulin + Sodium Thiosulphate?
A: Adults: 1 ml subcutaneously every 4 days for a total of 3 injections. Children: 1 ml subcutaneously every 8 days for a total of 3 injections.
Q2: How is this medication administered?
A: It is administered via subcutaneous injection.
Q3: What are the common side effects?
A: Specific common side effects have not been extensively documented for this combination product.
Q4: Can this medication be used during pregnancy?
A: Safety during pregnancy has not been firmly established. Use with caution if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Q5: Can this medication be used during breastfeeding?
A: Safety during breastfeeding is not well-established. Caution is advised.
A: In this specific combination, and at a very low dose, it appears to have an immunomodulatory role. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it might involve suppressing eosinophil maturation, thereby reducing allergic responses.
Q7: What is the role of sodium thiosulphate in this combination?
A: Its precise role is not fully elucidated but might involve anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
Q8: Are there any specific dietary restrictions while taking this medication?
A: No specific dietary restrictions are typically associated with this medication.
Q9: Can this medication be used for acute allergic reactions?
A: This medication is not intended for the treatment of acute allergic reactions. It is meant for preventing and managing chronic allergic conditions.
