Astemizole in combination with pseudoephedrine in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
The efficacy and side effects of once-daily astemizole-D, a combination of 10 mg astemizole and 240 mg pseudoephedrine, were compared with those of twice-daily brompheniramine-D, a combination of 12 mg brompheniramine and 50 mg phenylpropanolamine (Lunerin), in 64 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by birch pollen. Efficacy was monitored by patient's diary scores, investigator assessments of nasal and eye symptoms and need of rescue medication during the 4-week study period. Both astemizole-D and brompheniramine-D reduced nasal and eye symptoms of allergy. There were no significant differences between the treatment groups regarding obstruction, but brompheniramine-D alleviated symptoms of rhinorrhoea and itchy eyes significantly more than astemizole-D. On the other hand, the patients in the brompheniramine-D group reported dry mouth, tiredness and drowsiness more often than those in the astemizole-D group. The results indicate that the two drugs are effective in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, but astemizole-D is better tolerated than brompheniramine-D.
Simola
M
M
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Böss
I
I
Holopainen
E
E
Malmberg
H
H
Ruoppi
P
P
Seppä
J
J
Siivonen
L
L
Suonpää
J
J
Piepponen
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D016589:Astemizole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001977:Brompheniramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004809:Ephedrine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011058:Pollen; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000485:Allergens; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D013566:Sympathomimetics; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine; D016589:Astemizole; D004809:Ephedrine; D001977:Brompheniramine