Antihistamines are used to treat allergic rhinitis. Whether better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties confer higher clinical effectiveness is not known.
To compare the effectiveness of original fexofenadine, original levocetirizine, and locally-manufactured fexofenadine for treating persistent allergic rhinitis.
Patients with persistent allergic rhinitis were enrolled during June 2010 to December 2013. Patients were allocated to receive original fexofenadine, original levocetirizine, or locally-manufactured fexofenadine for one week. Daily symptoms were self-assessed. Disease specific quality of life, allergen induced wheal and flare size, peak nasal inspiratory flow, and any adverse events were reported at one week.
We enrolled 69 patients. There was no significant difference in reduction of mean total symptom score between original fexofenadine, original levocetirizine, and locally-manufactured fexofenadine (mean (95% CI); 5.52 (3.98, 7.06), 4.32 (2.43, 6.21), 4.45 (2.51, 6.40)) respectively. Improvement in otolaryngic symptoms (
There is no difference in effectiveness between fexofenadine and levocetirizine in treating persistent allergic rhinitis. Locally-manufactured and original fexofenadine similarly improve symptoms, nasal air flow, and quality of life. No major drug-related adverse events were reported.