Efficacy and Safety of Cetirizine and Oxatomide in Young Children With Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A 10-Day, Multicenter, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Parallel-Group Study

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of cetirizine and oxatomide in young children who have perennial allergic rhinitis. During this 10-day multicenter, doubleblinded, randomized, parallel-group study, 102 children aged 2-6 years received orally administered cetirizine (5 mg once daily) or oxatomide (12.5 mg twice daily). Sneezing, rhinorrea, nasal obstruction, nasal itching, and ocular itching were evaluated by means of symptom scores by investigators and, on daily record cards, by parents. Tolerability was assessed on the basis of adverse events and on the results of routine laboratory tests performed before and after treatment. Compared to baseline both cetirizine and oxatomide improved symptoms significantly. No significant difference in efficacy was found between the two drugs. Both products were well tolerated. Mild sedation was only occasionally reported and no patient withdrew from treatment because of an adverse event. In clinical practice cetirizine may be preferable because of its long action and convenient single daily dose.