Comparative efficacy of cetirizine and fexofenadine for seasonal allergic rhinitis, 5-12 hours postdose, in the environmental exposure unit.

In a previous study, cetirizine and fexofenadine similarly relieved seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms in the first 5 hours, but cetirizine was more effective at 21-24 hours postdose. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the response to treatment between 5 and 12 hours. Eligible ragweed allergic subjects were exposed to pollen in the Environmental Exposure Unit and randomized (n = 599) to a single dose of cetirizine, 10 mg; fexofenadine, 180 mg; or placebo (2.5:2.5:1). The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline in total symptom severity complex (TSSC) score at 12 hours postdose. TSSC score was the sum of self-rated scores (0 = absent to 3 = severe) for runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose/palate/throat, and itchy/watery eyes, recorded half-hourly. Mean baseline TSSC scores were similar: 9.2, cetirizine and fexofenadine; 8.9, placebo. Reductions in TSSC scores from baseline were 4.3 at 12 hours and 5.0 overall (i.e., average over 5-12 hours postdose) for cetirizine and 3.4 and 4.4, respectively, for fexofenadine. Cetirizine produced a 26% greater reduction in TSSC at 12 hours (p = 0.001) and 14% greater reduction in TSSC overall (p = 0.006) compared with fexofenadine. Cetirizine and fexofenadine reduced TSSC scores (p < 0.001) and individual symptoms (p < 0.05) more than placebo. However, cetirizine was more effective than fexofenadine (p < 0.05) for runny nose and sneezing (12 hours and overall), itchy/watery eyes (12 hours), and itchy nose/throat/palate (overall). Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events and somnolence were similar among groups: cetirizine, 25.3 and 0.8%, respectively; fexofenadine, 29.6 and 0%, respectively; placebo, 35.0 and 0%, respectively. In conclusion, cetirizine produced greater relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms than fexofenadine at 12 hours postdose and over the 5- to 12-hour postdose period.