First- and second-generation H1 antihistamines: from the molecular basis of their interaction with HERG K+ channels to physiological and pathophysiological implication

The present article reports on the recent findings addressing the molecular basis for some rare but serious cardiovascular side-effects exerted by some non-sedating H 1 -blocking antihistamines. These latest developments allowed fundamental insights into the role played by a specific class of potassium channels, the so-called human ether-a-gogo-related gene (HERG) channels, in the regulation of cardiac action potential duration and rhythm regulation.