Assessment of the antiobstructive effect of fexofenadine on nasal allergy challenge in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
The oral administration of fexofenadine 120 mg daily is a common treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). It reduces the H1 receptor-mediated symptoms, such as sneezing, pruritus, and nasal secretion as well as non-nasal symptoms such as conjunctivitis. The objective was to assess the effect of fexofenadine on nasal symptoms (such as nasal obstruction) in seasonal allergic rhinitis. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, cross-over study was performed which yielded evidence that two-week therapy with fexofenadine 120 mg daily in patients with SAR also relieves nasal obstruction and congestion. The parameters of nasal obstruction were evaluated by means of rhinoscopy, a subjective symptom score, and active anterior rhinomanometry. The subjective evaluation of nasal obstruction/congestion as recorded by the patient every 15 minutes for 4.5 hours after nasal allergen provocation showed a significant difference of the AUC (p = 0.025) between fexofenadine and placebo with a 12.8% lower obstruction after fexofenadine. The swelling of the nasal mucosa, which was assessed by rhinoscopy for 4.5 hours after nasal allergen provocation, was 21% lower after treatment with fexofenadine (p = 0.041). In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjective patient ratings as well as objective investigator assessments demonstrate the anti-obstructive effect of fexofenadine in nasal allergen challenge.
Mösges
Ralph
R
Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Cologne, Germany. Ralph@Moesges.de
Lehmacher
Walter
W
Pasch
Norbert
N
Vent
Julia
J
D000284:Administration, Oral; D052179:Antigens, Plant / Q000276:immunology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D015508:Nasal Obstruction; D009299:Nasal Provocation Tests; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology*; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000187:drug effects; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000187:drug effects; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D025363:Rhinomanometry; D016593:Terfenadine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
D052179:Antigens, Plant; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating; D016593:Terfenadine; C093230:fexofenadine