Desloratadine for the treatment of cypress pollen-induced allergic rhinitis

Few studies have been conducted to assess treatment options for patients with sensitivities to cypress pollens, important triggers of allergic rhinitis (AR) in the Mediterranean region.

To evaluate the effect of desloratadine, a second-generation antihistamine, on AR symptoms caused by cypress pollens native to France.

Adults (N=233) with symptomatic cypress pollen allergies were randomized to receive desloratadine, 5 mg, or placebo daily for 15 days during 2 consecutive cypress pollen seasons. The primary end point was the percentage change from baseline in morning total nasal symptom scores on day 14; secondary assessments included total symptom score, peak nasal inspiratory flow, the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, and global response to therapy.

On day 14, the desloratadine group had a significantly greater percentage decrease in total nasal symptom score vs the placebo group (-40% vs. -30%; P < .04). Similarly, on day 14, there was a 47% and 37% respective decrease in total symptom score (P = .01). Mean peak nasal inspiratory flow scores showed numeric, albeit not statistically significant, improvements from baseline through day 14 with desloratadine. A significantly greater improvement in Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire scores occurred with desloratadine vs placebo on day 14 (-1.4 vs. -0.9; P = .004). The mean global response to therapy was better with desloratadine vs placebo (3.4 vs. 3.9; P = .004). The adverse event rate was similar in both groups.

Desloratadine is efficacious and safe for the treatment of AR induced by cypress pollens; it also improved disease-related quality of life.