Effects of oxatomide compared with chlorpheniramine in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Allergology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Oxatomide is an H1 receptor antagonist with mast cell stabilizing properties.
• It inhibits the release of mediators triggered by antigens from mast cells and basophils.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and side effect profile of oxatomide versus chlorpheniramine in treating ragweed pollen-induced hay fever.
• To evaluate oxatomide's effectiveness in managing allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, non-crossover study involving 50 subjects with hay fever during the pollen season.
• Participants received either oxatomide (30 mg/capsule) or chlorpheniramine (5 mg/capsule), with dosages adjusted based on symptom severity.
• Additional medications were administered if symptoms were not adequately controlled.

Main Results:

• Forty-one subjects completed the study (19 on oxatomide, 22 on chlorpheniramine).
• No significant differences were observed in mean symptom scores, medication usage, or need for additional treatments between the groups.
• Drowsiness was reported in both groups, but was significantly less severe in the oxatomide group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Oxatomide demonstrates comparable effectiveness to chlorpheniramine in treating allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
• Oxatomide is associated with reduced drowsiness compared to chlorpheniramine at the studied doses.