The skin as a target organ for the investigation of antiallergic drugs: comparison between cetirizine and terfenadine.
Two double-blind clinical pharmacology studies were performed in atopics in order to compare the inhibitory effects of cetirizine (CTZ) 2 HCl and terfenadine (TER) on histamine and antigen-induced skin reactions. In the first study, the subjects took single intakes of CTZ 10 mg and TER 60 mg. In the second study, they took CTZ 10 mg once a day and TER 60 mg b.i.d. for 3 weeks. CTZ was more effective than TER in inhibiting histamine skin reactivity. CTZ and TER were equally effective in inhibiting antigen-induced reactions. There was no tachyphylaxis, either for CTZ or for TER.
UCB Pharmaceutical Sector, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium.
J P
JP
Rihoux
L
L
Ghys
K
K
Mühlethaler
B
B
Wüthrich
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000941:Antigens; D017332:Cetirizine; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006632:Histamine; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006919:Hydroxyzine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012882:Skin Tests; D016593:Terfenadine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000941:Antigens; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D006919:Hydroxyzine; D016593:Terfenadine; D006632:Histamine; D017332:Cetirizine