Summary
A double‐blind crossover study has compared intra‐nasal sodium cromoglycate (SCG) with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), and both drugs with placebo, in fifty‐two chronic perennial rhinitis patients, BDP was significantly more effective in relieving symptoms than SCG (76.9% and 50% of the patients improved respectively, P<0.01). Both drugs were more active than placebos but while BDP was very clearly more effective (P<0.0005) SCG was only marginally better than its placebo (P<0.05, Fisher; P=0.068, χ2). BDP was selected by 56% of the patients as the best agent for continuing therapy at the end of the trial. By contrast SCG was preferred by the same number of patients as chose the two placebos (11.5%).
Summary
Astemizole, a new long‐acting antihistamine, (H1 receptor antagonist), 10 mg taken once daily was found to be an effective prophylactic treatment for the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in 75% (twelve from sixteen) of subjects in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. The success rate with placebo was < 20% (three from sixteen). There were two treatment failures in highly atopic individuals taking the active drug. The classic side effects of antihistamines, most notably sedation, were minimal and reflected in the control group. Two subjects reported weight gain: one of these noted an increase in appetite during the 6‐week trial period. Six of seven subjects who continued to take the drug for a longer period (up to 16 weeks) experienced marked weight gain: five of them reported an increase in appetile. Reactions to allergen skin tests were significantly reduced in patients taking astemizole.
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