Comparison of antileukotrienes and antihistamines in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of antileukotriene (anti-LT), antihistamine, and a combination of anti-LT and antihistamine on the symptoms and nasal resistance in allergic rhinitis patients.

METHODS:

We performed a placebo-controlled study, with 120 persistent, moderate to severe allergic rhinitis patients randomly selected to receive the different treatments for 4 weeks: no treatment, 10 mg of cetirizine once per day, 20 mg of zafirlukast once per day, 20 mg of cafirlukast twice per day, a combination of 20 mg of zafirlukast and 10 mg of cetirizine once per day, or a combination of 20 mg of zafirlukast twice per day and 10 mg cetirizine once per day. The nasal secretion nitric oxide (NO) concentration, nasal symptom score, and nasal resistance were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS:

Total symptom scores improved in each treated group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Nasal obstruction significantly improved in the anti-LT-treated groups (p < 0.05). High-dose anti-LT or the combination of low-dose anti-LT and antihistamine significantly improved allergy symptoms compared with no treatment, low-dose anti-LT, or antihistamine alone (p < 0.05). Furthermore, anti-LT decreased NO concentration in nasal secretions (p < 0.05), regardless of the dose administered.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that high-dose anti-LT alone or the combination of low-dose anti-LY and antihistamine can effectively treat allergic rhinitis.

• Authors: Ching-Yin Ho, Ching-Ting Tan
• Journal: American journal of rhinology (Am J Rhinol) 2007 Jul-Aug Vol. 21 Issue 4 Pg. 439-43 ISSN: 1050-6586 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17882913 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating
• Indoles
• Leukotriene Antagonists
• Phenylcarbamates
• Sulfonamides
• Tosyl Compounds
• zafirlukast
• Cetirizine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Cetirizine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Indoles
• Leukotriene Antagonists (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Phenylcarbamates
• Rhinitis (drug therapy)
• Sulfonamides
• Tosyl Compounds (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome