Protective effect of cetirizine in patients suffering from pollen asthma.

In a double-blind study, 29 patients suffering from pollen asthma were administered placebo for 14 days and were compared with 28 patients administered cetirizine, a new drug displaying a potent and selective H1 antagonism and inhibiting effect on infiltrating cells. FEV1 and FVC were measured before and after treatment. A subjective self-assessment by the patients included daily ENT and pulmonary scores, and beta 2 consumption.

Comparative effects of loratadine and terfenadine in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Loratadine is a new selective peripheral histamine H1-receptor antagonist, that is orally effective, long-acting, and devoid of significant central and autonomic nervous system activity. Its safety and efficacy were evaluated in a 28-day study conducted in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (loratadine, 10 mg OD; terfenadine, 60 mg BID; or placebo).

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of loratadine in perennial allergic rhinitis.

Loratadine, a new nonsedating antihistamine, was evaluated for efficacy and safety in 228 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Taken at a dose of 10 mg once daily, loratadine was significantly more effective than placebo and comparable to terfenadine, 60 mg taken twice daily, in reducing combined symptom scores in this patient population. Efficacy was maintained throughout the 28-day course of treatment.

A multicentric study of loratadine, terfenadine and placebo in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

This multicentric study compared 14-day treatment with loratadine (Clarityne) 10 mg once daily, terfenadine 60 mg twice daily and placebo in outpatients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Of 275 patients enrolled, 256 (87 in the loratadine group, 89 in the terfenadine group and 80 in the placebo group) were evaluable for efficacy and 266 (90, 91 and 85 in respective groups) were evaluable for safety. Investigators graded the severity of 4 nasal and 4 nonnasal signs/symptoms and investigators and patients rated overall disease condition and therapeutic response on treatment days 3, 7 and 14; patients recorded when signs/symptoms of rhinitis were relieved, as well.