What is histamine dichloride?

Histamine dichloride (also known as ralenium) is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as imidazolyl carboxylic acids and derivatives. It is an analogue of histamine and functions as an immune modulating agent and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha activator.

Histamine dichloride is used as an immunostimulatory and anticancer agent in medicine. It activates a selective immune response to cancer cells, and it is available in injectable form. It can also help to treat allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.

It is known to induce fever, sweating, hypotension, and tachycardia. Side effects include headache, chills, dizziness, and flushing. In rare cases, histamine dichloride may cause anaphylaxis, an emergency allergic reaction that can result in life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Histamine dichloride is also used in cancer research as a tool to study mechanisms of antitumor activity and the role of the immune system in cancer treatment.