Comparison of efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of rupatadine and olopatadine in patients of allergic rhinitis: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study

Abstract

Objective:To compare the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of rupatadine and olopatadine in patients of allergic rhinitis (AR).Materials and Methods:A 2-week, single-centered, randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparative clinical study was conducted on patients with AR. Following inclusion and exclusion criteria, 67 patients were recruited and randomized to two treatment groups and received the respective drugs for 2 weeks. At follow-up, parameters assessed were total nasal symptom score (TNSS), change in total and differential count of eosinophil.Results:In olopatadine group, there was a significantly higher reduction in TNSS (P < 0.05) than that of rupatadine. Both the drugs significantly reduced the absolute eosinophil count, but olopatadine (P < 0.001) was found to be superior. The incidence of adverse effects was found to be less in olopatadine group when compared with rupatadine group.Conclusion:Olopatadine is a better choice in AR in comparison to rupatadine due to its better efficacy and safety profile.

Non-sedative Antihistamines: Assessment of Efficacy Based on Total Nasal Symptom Score in Patient with Allergic Rhinitis.

“…In several studies, the difference in TNSS for each subject was calculated, seeking to establish the reduction gradient in the score. 1,4,6,[13][14][15]17,21 In the present study, a significant (p<0.05) and progressive decrease in the TNSS was observed from baseline over the 14 day treatment period with different non-sedative antihistamines. Rupatadine was found to be more significant (P-value .000897) in reducing TNSS and improving signs of allergic rhinitis after 2 weeks of treatment.…”

“…8,18,21,22 Rupatadine is known as a dual blocker since this drug not only block the action of histamine but also of other inflammatory mediators such as PAF, LTs, and chemokines. 1,10 It is well recognized that second-generation antihistamines have generally non-sedating property; however it does not mean that somnolence is never occur with these therapies. 17 In our study somnolence is reported in a small minority of patients, it should be noted that in our trial, at the end of each weekly treatment period, patients were actively asked to report any adverse symptom or event that they may have experienced.…”

“…Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most prevalent atopic disorders which is associated with sleep disturbances that affect work productivity and interference with quality of life. 1 The prevalence of AR varies from population to population which presently affects up to 40% of the population worldwide [1][2][3][4] with data from Europe indicating between 23 and 30% and from US indicating between 10 and 30% of adults being affected respectively. 2 Allergic rhinitis is an immunoglobulin E-mediated disease which has been suggested that the increase in severity and persistence of symptoms may be associated with multiple sensitizations and prolonged exposure to traditional allergens 2,5 such as dust mites, insects, animal dander, fungal and mould spores, food, pollen, effects of weather including temperature and humidity, as well as participant's lifestyle.…”

“…2,3,5 Symptoms of Allergic rhinitis (AR) are clinically characterized by rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal congestion and non-nasal symptoms such as itching and watery eyes or itching ears and palate, and signs of invasion of nasal mucosa by inflammatory cells. 1,3 Several methods are available for the measurement of the nasal symptoms experienced by study participants. The Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) is the sum of scores for each of nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea at each time point, using a four-point scale (0-3), where 0 indicates no symptoms, a score of 1 for mild symptoms that are easily tolerated, 2 for awareness of symptoms which are bothersome but tolerable and 3 is reserved for severe symptoms that are hard to tolerate and interfere with daily activity.…”