[Multicenter double-blind study comparing astemizole and terfenadine for nonseasonal rhinitis in the adult]

This comparative multicentric randomized study was carried out by 36 town allergists, during 2 months out of pollen season, following the double blind rigorous methodology. It concerns 109 patients, about 30 years old, and suffering from allergic and aperiodic rhinitis, since 6 to 7 years on an average. After a period of 2 months the treatment was considered to be sufficiently effective in 77.7% of the patients treated with Astemizole; and in 65.2% of those treated with Terfenadine. We remark, as much in the study about the global efficacy as in the symptom by symptom study, a superiority of the Astemizole on the Terfenadine. This difference in effectiveness repeatedly reaches a significant level, at the time of the daily evaluation of symptoms. The action time is equivalent in both groups. The observed lateral effects are minor, and they differ between both groups, neither in frequency nor in nature. The new HI anti-histaminics are characterized by the absence of sedative effect and by their good tolerance. This study demonstrates their effectiveness and their action rapidity, in a chronic pathology that is specially constraining for the patient.