title: Treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria with astemizole.
abstract: Astemizole is a new, long-acting H1 receptor antagonist that has proven effective in controlling the signs and symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria, without the sedative and anticholinergic side effects that typify use of many antihistamines. In an eight-week open study of 20 patients, astemizole significantly decreased the signs and symptoms of urticaria, as well as the severity of urticaria by anatomic location. Five patients reported complete clearing. Modest weight gain while on chronic therapy appears to be a significant side effect.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Huerter
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Bergfeld
authors.forename: W O
authors.initials: WO
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Dijkstra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016589:Astemizole; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014581:Urticaria / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D001562:Benzimidazoles; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D016589:Astemizole