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An Evaluation of the Efficacy, Tolerance<br />
and Safety of Loratadine-D vs. Actifed<br />
in Acute Rhinitis<br />
ManuelG. Lim, M.D.,M. Sc., F.A.A.O. - <strong>HNS</strong>"<br />
MargaretC. Lim,M.D.<br />
ManuelAnthonyC. Lim,Jr., M.D.<br />
JoseC. Ilao, M.D.**<br />
ReginaV. Mangay,M.D.***<br />
ABSTRACT In recent years, newer non-sedating antihistamines<br />
have been developed that do not readily<br />
A randomized single blind comparative con- enter the central nervous system or interact with<br />
trolled study of the efficacy, tolerance and safety neuroccptors associated with sedation, or concentrate<br />
of Loratadine 10 mg. plus Pseudoepbedrine against in the brain, thereby producing fewer undesirable<br />
Actifed was conducted in 60 cases of acute rhini- effects. One such preparation is a combination of<br />
tis with an allergic overlay as derived from the history. Loratadine, a potent non-sedating and long acting<br />
The comparison was based on both a subjective as- H1 antagonist, plus pseudoepbedrine. Loratadine<br />
sessment by the patientand the objectiveevaluation is a pipemus compound relatedto azatadinc. It is<br />
of the physician. Based on these results, Clar- relatively specific in blocking peripheral receptors<br />
itin-D has been shown superior to Actifed in terms with very little H2 receptor antagonism. Loratadine<br />
of : 1) improving the signs and symptoms of acute is virtually devoid of sedating or other central nervous<br />
rhinitis, 2) bringing faster relief of the miserable system side effects due to its inability to penetrate<br />
symptoms, and 3) good tolerance and lesser side the blood brain barrier. Its duration of action is<br />
effects especially drowsiness, about 15-16 hours. This study describes the efficacy,<br />
tolerance and safety of Loratadine-D (Loratadine plus<br />
decongestant) in comparison with Actifed in relieving<br />
INTRODUCTION the signs and symptoms of acute rhinitis.<br />
Classical antihistamine and antihistamine-de- OBJECTIVE<br />
congestant combination are widely used for the treatment<br />
of acute rhinitis. It is recognized that these drugs The objective of this study is to compare the<br />
do not shorten coume of acute rhinitis. However, these efficacy, tolerance and safety of Claritin-D (Loratadrugs,<br />
together with some other measures taken, may dine plus Decongestant in combination) vs. Actifed<br />
be able to prevent the onset of a common cold (this in the treatment of the acute rhinitis.<br />
is beyond the scope of this pal)c0. Usually, in acute<br />
rhinitis, these drugs provide relief for the patients Materials and Methods<br />
suffering from signs and symptoms which we are<br />
making miserable. The main problems that prevent This is a randomized single-blind comparative<br />
their use in some patients arc excessive sedation controlled study of the efficacy, tolerance and safety<br />
or drOwsiness and anticholinergic properties (dryness of the use of Claritin-D vs. Actifed in a short term<br />
of the mouth, blurring vision, urinary retention,etc.), treaunent of 60 cases of acute rhinitis who have never<br />
taken any other medication for their illness. This<br />
* Dr. Manuel G. Lira, M.D., F.A.A.O. - <strong>HNS</strong>, Chairman, DepL cases are divideii into 2 groups of 30 cases each,<br />
of Omlanyngology, Unive_ of the Philippines, PhilippineGeneral<br />
Hospital (MedicalCe_u=r) one receiving Claritin-D and another receiving Actiled.<br />
The Claritin-D group is given the medication<br />
** Dr, Jose C. Ilao, Medical Di_ctor, Schcring-Plough Co_p. every 12 hours or 2 times a day, whereas the Actifed<br />
***Dr.ReghutV.MAnsay,AssittantMexlical Dire.tor, Schering-Plough group is given the medication every 8 hours or 3<br />
cotr,,<br />
times daily.<br />
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