The efficacy of cetirizine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and allergic bronchial asthma

Abstract EN

Objective : the aim of this study was to describe the efficacy and safety of cetirizine in the treament of patients with allergic rhinits and allergic bronchial asthma.

Methods : we enrolled all patients diagnosed to have chronic allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma referred to the allergy clinic between February and July 2000.

The percutaneous skin test was done for these patients.

Locally developed total allergy score, frequency of exacerbations, use of broncodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, electrocardiogram (EKG) and liver function test (LFT) assay were carried out before and after conclusion of treatment with cetirizine HCL.

Results : forty three patients were included in the study.

Other 7 patients were excluded.

The age ranged between 3-15 years, 30 (69.8 %) were males and 13 (30.2 %) were females.

The average allergic score was 27 before treatment compared to 2 after treatment with cetirizine.

There was a significant decrease in total serum immunoglobin E, eosinophils, asthma exacerbations, bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications following treatment.

The side effects were mostly transient and did not require discontinuing cetirizine HCL.

Conclusion: Cetirizine in a dose of 5-10 mg / day is safe and effective in the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.

It decreased asthma symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis and mild moderate asthma and may be considered as an additional agent for treating patients with asthma.