Protective effect of cetirizine in patients suffering from pollen asthma

In a double-blind study, 29 patients suffering from pollen asthma were administered placebo for 14 days and were compared with 28 patients administered cetirizine, a new drug displaying a potent and selective H1 antagonism and inhibiting effect on infiltrating cells. FEV1 and FVC were measured before and after treatment. A subjective self-assessment by the patients included daily ENT and pulmonary scores, and beta 2 consumption. The peak flow was also measured every day as well as the rescue drug administration. In the placebo group, the FEV1, FVC, and peak flow values decreased significantly and the ENT and pulmonary scores became worse. Most of the patients in this group dropped out despite the high use of fenoterol and terfenadine. In the cetirizine group, FEV1, FVC, and peak flow values remained close to the predicted values; the ENT and pulmonary scores improved significantly despite low beta 2 consumption. The number of dropouts was low and the administration of corticosteroids was exceptionally limited.