What is "astemizole"

n. A second-generation antihistamine drug discovered in 1977.

Astemizole (marketed under the brand name Hismanal, developmental code R43512) was a second-generation antihistamine drug that has a long duration of action. Astemizole was discovered by Janssen Pharmaceutica in 1977. It has been withdrawn from the market in most countries because of rare but potentially fatal side effects ( QTc interval prolongation and related arrhythmias due to hERG channel blockade).