Noberastine maleate, a histamine H1 antagonist, has potent and specific peripheral antihistaminic activity. Noberastine, a furan derivative of nor-astemizole (an astemizole metabolite), has been shown to have a more rapid onset, and shorter duration of action than astemizole with peak antihistaminic activity at 4h following ingestion. Noberastine is rapidly absorbed and the peak plasma levels are obtained within 2 h of oral dosing. In preclinical studies Noberastine has been shown to lack central nervous system effects. After subacute (steady-state) administration of noberastine, there was increasing inhibition of weal and flare formation with higher doses of the drug. The 30 mg daily dose showed maximum antihistaminic effects.