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2. Both groups showed significant (Friedman DISCUSSION
statistic p=0.001) improvement in the overall
condition of rhinitis with the most marked change Like the previous studies clone abroad (2-5,
noted on day 3 of treatment (Figure III). 9-10), this randomized clinical trial conducted locally
has demonstrated the effectiveness of both loratadine
3. According to the patients' evaluation of overall and astemizole in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
response to treatment, those on loratadine as wen Both drugs were proven to be as efficacious as the
as those on astemizole reported significant (Friedman non-sedating antihistamines like mequitazine and
statistic p=0.05) improvement in response rated as terfenadine (6,7,15) and both have been recommended
fair to excellent starting on Day 3 (Figure IV). because of their once a day dosage which ensures
better patient compliance.
II. Safety
As in other comparative studies between
A. Routine Physical Examination and Laboratory loratadine and astemizole, loratadine-treatCd Filipino
Studies ptients had significantly earlier relief of symptoms
than those treated with astemizole. Moresignificant
There were no significant changes between Day improvement by the third day of therapy was observed
0 and Day 14 with regards to body temperature, among those on loratadine than among those on
pulse rate, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic astemizole. This concurs with previous studies, wherein
blood pressure, weight, urinalysis, glucose, BUN, partial relief of symptoms was observed as early as
serum creatinine, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, within 4 hours of first treatment with loratadine (10,11).
SGOT, SGPT, total bilirubin, hemoglobin, hematocrit,
RBC count, WBC differential counts and counts. The relief of ocular symptoms (itching and tearing)
has been reported to be better with_astemizole
B. Adverse Effects over terfenadine and clemastine .(12,13). Our study
shows the same advantage of astemizole over lo-
The few adverse effects were reported in equal ratadine. -
frequencies among those on loratadine and on
astemizole (Table III). Thse complaints were all of The unpleasant and undesirable effects of
the mild to moderated severity with majority of the antihistamines have been somnolence, sedation,
incidences possibly orprobably rela_ed to the treatment insomia and anticholinergic action. In an earlier
regimen
long-term safety study among normal male volunteers
TABLE III: ADVERSE EFFECTS REPORTED
Day 3 Day 7 Day 14
Symptoms Lor Ast Lor Ast Lor Ast
Dizziness 3 1 2 1 5 0
Chest pain/body 1 1 0 1 0 1
weakness
Light Headedness 0 1 0 1 1 1
Sedated 2 1 1 1 0 1
Nape pain 1 0 2 0 0 1
Difficulty of 0 2 0 0 0 0
Swallowing
Lor=-Loratadine;
Ast=Astemizole
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