Azatadine maleate in perennial allergic rhinitis: effects on clinical symptoms and choice reaction time.

Abstract

1 The efficacy of the antihistamine azatadine maleate at maximum recommended dosage (4 mg/day) for 1 week was assessed relative to placebo in a double-blind crossover study of twenty patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. 2 Sixteen patients reported significant improvement in their clinical symptoms while taking the active drug. 3 The size of skin test weals for both histamine provocation and common inhalant allergens (prick test) diminished significantly after the azatadine treatment. There was no correlation between inhibition of skin reactions and symptom improvement. 4 Eight subjects reported sedative effects attributable to azatadine maleate. Their performance on a choice reaction time task was depressed significantly after taking the antihistamine; no change relative to placebo occurred in the non-sedated group.