It is also an FDA-approved[1] active ingredient for topical analgesic use for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, bruises, sprains, and strains and is available in over-the-counter (OTC) products such as Australian Dream and Golden Creme.

[2] [3] Histamine dihydrochloride is administered in conjunction with low doses of the immune-activating cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the post-remission phase of AML, i.e. when patients have completed the initial chemotherapy.

[5] The combination of histamine dihydrochloride and interleukin-2 was approved for use in AML patients within the European Union in October 2008[6] and will be marketed in the EU by the Swedish pharmaceutical company Meda.

Histamine dihydrochloride acts by improving the immune-enhancing properties of IL-2, and laboratory studies have shown that this combination can induce immune-mediated killing of leukemic cells.

[7] The treatment (in the form of subcutaneous injections) is given in 3-week cycles by the patients at home for 18 months, thus coinciding with the period of highest relapse risk.