[Inhibition of skin test by astemizole]

For the purpose of evaluating the curative effect of antihistamines, we have set up an assay method called the "Skin Test Inhibition Index" (STII). Twenty cases of hay fever were selected for astemizole administration, 10 mg/d for 7 days. Skin titration test were carried out before and after treatment. Significant inhibition of skin test by astemizole was found with STII 91. Another group of 6 hay fever patients was given astemizole 10 mg/d for 10 days. STII was determined on the 5th and 10th days and also on the 7th, 14th and 21st days after treatment. STII were 12, 108, 90, 10 and 7 respectively. These results clearly demonstrated that astemizole is a long-acting antihistamine.