Combined antiviral-antimediator treatment for the common cold.
A randomized, controlled, double-masked clinical trial was conducted with a combination antiviral-antimediator treatment for experimental rhinovirus colds. In all, 150 healthy men and women (aged 18-51 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: intranasal interferon (IFN)-alpha2b (6 x 10(6) U every 12 h x 3) plus oral chlorpheniramine (12 mg extended release) and ibuprofen (400 mg) every 12 h for 4.5 days (n=59 subjects); intranasal placebo plus oral chlorpheniramine and ibuprofen (n=61 subjects); or intranasal and oral placebos (n=30 subjects). Treatment was started 24 h after intranasal viral challenge. During the 4.5 days of treatment with IFN-alpha2b, chlorpheniramine, and ibuprofen, the daily mean total symptom score was reduced by 33%-73%, compared with placebo. Treatment reduced the severity of rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction, sore throat, cough, and headache and reduced nasal mucus production, nasal tissue use, and virus concentrations in nasal secretions. IFN-alpha2b added to the effectiveness of chlorpheniramine and ibuprofen and was well tolerated.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. jmg3u@virginia.edu
Jack M
JM
Gwaltney
Birgit
B
Winther
James T
JT
Patrie
J Owen
JO
Hendley
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002744:Chlorpheniramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003139:Common Cold / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003371:Cough / Q000188:drug therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000821:virology; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012229:Rhinovirus; D012912:Sneezing / Q000187:drug effects
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D002744:Chlorpheniramine; D007052:Ibuprofen