A review of the second-generation antihistamine ebastine for the treatment of allergic disorders.
Ebastine is a once-daily, non-sedating, selective, long-acting, second-generation antihistamine. The use of ebastine is indicated in patients suffering from intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Ebastine 10 mg/day, appears as effective as other second-generation antihistamines, such as cetirizine and loratadine. Ebastine 20 mg/day is indicated in patients with moderate and severe allergic symptoms. No cardiovascular effects of ebastine are described, although there is a pharmacokinetic interaction when ketoconazole or macrolides are co-administered. Ebastine has no relevant effects on the psychomotor performance. Even with ebastine 20 mg/day skilled performance does not appear to be impaired. Furthermore, ebastine 5-10 and 2.5 mg, appears to be efficient and can be used safely in children 6-11 and 2-5 years of age, respectively. Ebastine appears to be a safe, effective and well-tolerated second-generation antihistamine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Van Cauwenberge
Paul
P
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. paul.vancauwenberge@Ugent.be
De Belder
Tine
T
Sys
Lien
L
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002090:Butyrophenones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy; D014581:Urticaria / Q000188:drug therapy
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D002090:Butyrophenones; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating; D010880:Piperidines; C058249:ebastine