[Multicenter study of the effectiveness and tolerability of desloratadine in seasonal allergic rhinitis].

INTRODUCTION

The authors appraised the clinical efficacy of desloratadine in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

An open, two-week trial was conducted on 428 patients between 3 June and 31 July 2002 in 11 centres. Nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching as well as ocular clinical signs were characterized using a symptom score. Desloratadine tablet was administered in 5 mg doses. After two weeks of treatment, the symptom score was re-evaluated. Potential adverse events that had occurred during the treatment period were recorded.

RESULTS

Desloratadine significantly alleviated all four nasal symptoms and ocular effectively. In particular, treatment resulted from 76 percent to 12% percent decrease of overall symptom score. One of the participants discontinued treatment due to the occurrence of adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that desloratidine is a safe and effective systemic antihistamine--with complex antiallergic effect--for the therapy of seasonal allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis. It can reduce nasal congestion with greater magnitude than other known antihistamines.