Abstract
Background
Antihistamines are used to treat allergic rhinitis. Whether better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties confer higher clinical effectiveness is not known.
Objectives
To compare the effectiveness of original fexofenadine, original levocetirizine, and locally-manufactured fexofenadine for treating persistent allergic rhinitis.
Methods
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.
Results
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 (P = 0.51), nonotolaryngic symptoms (P = 0.59), work and study performance (P = 0.42), exertion (P =0.81), sleep disturbance (P = 0.76), social disturbance (P = 0.16), emotional disturbance (P = 0.66), overall general health (P =0.55), allergen induced wheal (P = 0.44) and flare suppression (P = 0.90), and peak nasal inspiratory flow (P =0.85) were not significantly different between the 3 groups. All groups similarly reported minor adverse events.
Conclusions
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.