[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.

Revista Alergia Mexico (Tecamachalco, Puebla, Mexico : 1993)
|August 27, 1998
PubMed

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.
Abstract

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