Effect of cetirizine in a conjunctival provocation test with allergens.
Cetirizine is a new selective H1-antagonist. In a double-blind and placebo-controlled study, 11 subjects underwent a conjunctival provocation test (CPT) with a grass pollen extract to determine the effect of cetirizine on allergen-induced itching and redness of the eye. Results of CPTs were reproducible, as no difference was observed between the CPTs performed without any pre-treatment and the CPTs after placebo. Compared to placebo, cetirizine administered orally (10 mg twice a day for 4 days) and in double-blind fashion increased the conjunctival reaction threshold (P less than 0.004) by inhibiting both redness and itching of the eye. Cetirizine should protect patients against allergic conjunctivitis.
Schoeneich
M
M
Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Chuv, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Pécoud
A R
AR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017332:Cetirizine; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006919:Hydroxyzine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007159:Immunologic Tests; D008297:Male; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D000485:Allergens; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D006919:Hydroxyzine; D017332:Cetirizine