Astemizole in perennial allergic rhinitis with seasonal exacerbations: a placebo-controlled double-blind study.
Astemizole is a nonsedative H1-antagonist. It was used in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled in-season trial to assess its efficacy in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis showing seasonal exacerbations. By the last (6th) week of the study, the mean overall symptomatology, as rated by a global composite score, was significantly mitigated in the astemizole-treated group (18 patients) compared with their first week's global composite score (P less than .01). No such improvement was observed in the placebo-treated group (18 patients). Side effects were not appreciable throughout this short-term study. We conclude that astemizole is effective in the treatment of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis showing seasonal enhancement of symptoms.
Tanay
A
A
Clinical Immunology and Allergy Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.
Neuman
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I
D016589:Astemizole; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010919:Placebos; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012621:Seasons
D001562:Benzimidazoles; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D010919:Placebos; D016589:Astemizole