Mizolastine therapy also has an effect on nasal blockade in perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. RIPERAN Study Group.
BACKGROUND
Mizolastine is a new, nonsedating antihistamine with additional anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief in allergic rhinitis and urticaria. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of 10 mg o.d. mizolastine given to patients with perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.


METHODS
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 257 patients suffering from the disease for more than 10 years. They were allocated, after a 1-week placebo run-in, to receive mizolastine (n = 133) or placebo (n = 124) for 4 weeks.


RESULTS
Mizolastine-treated patients showed significantly greater alleviation of nasal symptoms, with a mean decrease of 36% compared with pretreatment score, compared to a mean decrease of 10% in placebo patients (P < 0.001). Nasal blockade responded favorably to mizolastine compared to placebo and was associated with a significant reduction in rhinoscopy findings (P = 0.030). Likewise, the mean ocular symptom score decreased 40% in mizolastine-treated patients compared to 7% in the placebo group (P < 0.003). The safety profile of mizolastine was satisfactory and similar to that of placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients suffering from perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, mizolastine is a safe and potent treatment. Mizolastine's pronounced effect on nasal blockade could possibly be linked to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Bachert
C
C
ENT Department, University of Ghent, Belgium.
Brostoff
J
J
Scadding
G K
GK
Tasman
J
J
Stalla-Bourdillon
A
A
Murrieta
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000139:chemically induced; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004244:Dizziness / Q000139:chemically induced; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010919:Placebos / Q000009:adverse effects; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001562:Benzimidazoles; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D010919:Placebos; C076170:mizolastine