Terfenadine and Clemastine in the Treatment of Acute Pollenotic Rhinitis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of terfenadine 60 mg b.i.d. with that of clemastine 1 mg b.i.d. and placebo in patients with pollenotic rhinitis. This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel study of 7 days duration in 111 patients of 12 years of age or older.

At study entry a physical examination was performed and the severity of nasal, throat and eye symptoms was noted. Final visit efficacy evaluation consisted of the physicians conclusion of overall effectiveness and an assessment of the degree of symptom relief. In addition, adverse events were recorded.

The evaluations of effectiveness demonstrated terfenadine and clemastine to be superior to placebo (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between the active treatments. The overall incidence of adverse events was comparable for all 3 treatments. The incidence of drowsiness/tiredness was comparable for the terfenadine and placebo groups and significantly (p < 0.05) higher for the clemastine group.

Key Words:

• antihistamines
• allergic rhinitis
• sedation