[Observation on cardiovascular safety of loratadine in treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate cardiovascular safety of loratadine, a second generation H1-antagonist, in treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis.


METHODS
A total of 50 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis were enrolled, of which 19 cases (38.0%) had a history of cardiovascular diseases and/or presented abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings without prolonged QT-interval. For all patents, 10 mg loratadine tablet was oral administrated once-daily for 30 days. ECG examinations were carried out both before and after treatment. Cardiovascular effects of loratadine were determined by the comparison of two ECGs.


RESULTS
All patients had no alterations in sinus rhythm after administration of loratadine for 30 days. There were no significant differences of heart rates, P durations, PR or QRS intervals between the baseline and end-point ECGs (P > 0.05), as well as no significant prolongation of the QT or QTc corrected for heart rate using Bazett' formula (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Cardiovascular safety of loratadine, a second generation H1-antagonist, is confirmed in long-term treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis at a recommended dose.
Liu
Ying
Y
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China. jspent@126.com
Cheng
Lei
L
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017336:Loratadine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult
D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating; D017336:Loratadine