Effect of astemizole on allergic asthma

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study with a washout phase of 2 months between each treatment period, single daily doses of 10 and 30 mg of astemizole were given to 12 patients with extrinsic asthma during 28 consecutive days. Albuterol was allowed as concurrent medication when needed. On days 0, 7, and 28 specific bronchial provocation with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and cutaneous tests with histamine and D. pteronyssinus extracts were carried out. The requirements of beta-agonist inhalations and the number of bronchospasm episodes were recorded throughout the study period. Inhibition of allergen-induced bronchoconstriction appeared on day 7 with 30-mg doses of astemizole, while it was not observed until day 28 with 10-mg doses. Wheal responses caused by histamine were reduced only after active treatment. The wheal response to the highest allergen concentration was reduced on days 7 and 28 after 30 mg of astemizole, whereas doses of 10 mg only caused a reduction on day 28. It is concluded that astemizole could be useful as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of certain types of asthma.