Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
[Levocabastine versus cetirizine for perennial allergic rhinitis in children]
L Arreguín Osuna1, R García Caballero, M T Montero Cortés
1Servicio de Alergia, Instituto Nacional de Pediatrá, México, DF, México.
Insights
Levocabastine nasal spray and oral cetirizine effectively treat perennial allergic rhinitis in children. Levocabastine demonstrated fewer side effects compared to cetirizine.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) significantly impacts children's quality of life.
- Current treatments for pediatric PAR include oral antihistamines and nasal sprays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of levocabastine nasal spray versus oral cetirizine for treating PAR in children.
- To evaluate symptom relief, nasal airflow, and inflammatory markers.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, prospective, open-label clinical trial involving 30 children (6-16 years) with PAR.
- Group 1 received oral cetirizine (5-10 mg daily); Group 2 received levocabastine nasal spray (2 puffs/nostril BID) for 15 days.
- Nasal symptom scores, nasal peak flow, and nasal eosinophils were assessed pre- and post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Both treatments significantly improved PAR symptoms and nasal peak flow within each group.
- No significant intergroup differences were observed in symptom scores or nasal peak flow.
- Nasal eosinophil counts remained unchanged in both groups; levocabastine had a lower incidence of side effects (1 vs. 3).
Conclusions:
- Levocabastine nasal spray and oral cetirizine are effective for managing pediatric PAR symptoms.
- Levocabastine nasal spray appears to be a safer alternative due to a lower side effect profile.
Objective:
To compare the efficacy and safety of levocabastine nasal spray asid cetirizine oral for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis in children.
Material And Methods:
In this randomized, prospective experimental, open clinical trial. We studied 30 children with ages between 6 and 16 years with perennial allergic rhinitis. Group 1, 17 subjects (7 female, 10 male) received cetirizine once daily, 5 mg children weientig less dian 30 k asid 10 mg in children weighing more trw' 30 k during 15 days. Group 2, 13 subjects (7 male, 6 female) received levocabastine 2 puffs BID on each nostril during tbe same time. A nasal symptoms score, nasal peal: flow vid eosinophils in a nasal smear were performed before and after treatment.
Results:
There were no statistical differences in age, weight, height and arid duration of symptoms. Both groups showed improvement of symptoms via nasal peak flow with no differences between them (intergroup); nasal eosinophils remained unchanged. We for third statistical differences pre vid postreatment in each group (intragroup): Group 1, nasal congestion p = 0.002, ocular itch p = 0.01, sneezing p = 0.007, nasal secretion p = 0.01, nasal itch O = 0.009, total points O = 0.0005. Group 2, nasal congestion O = 0.02, ocular itch p = 0.05, sneezing p = 0.01, nasal secretion p = 0.01, nasal itch p = 0.04, total points p = 0.005. Significant differences were found in nasal peal' flow in Group 1 (p = 0.01) but no differences in eosinophils between file two groups. Side effects: 3 subjects in Group 1 (drowsiness, 1 appetite increase said 1 rhinorrea with epistaxis) vide 1 in Group 2 sensation of facial edema.
Conclusion:
Bofil drugs are effective the clinical relief of symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis in children vied levocabastine has less side effects.
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