Loratadine augments emotional blushing

The aim of this study was to determine whether loratadine, a selective inverse agonist of peripheral histamine H1 receptors, would reduce emotional blushing. Loratadine (10  mg) or placebo was administered orally one hour before 31 healthy participants sang a children's nursery rhyme to evoke embarrassment and blushing. Skin blood flow was monitored via a laser Doppler probe attached to the cheek. Increases in facial blood flow while participants sang were greater in the loratadine than the placebo group (mean increase ± standard deviation 71 ± 52% in the loratadine group versus 35 ± 37%, p = .036).
Source: European Neuropsychopharmacology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: SHORT COMMUNICATION Source Type: research