The histamine-antagonistic effect of azelastine 1 x 2 mg over 24 hours: comparison with azelastine 1 x 4 mg, loratadine 1 x 10 mg and placebo in the skin test model

The histamine-antagonistic effect of a single dose azelastine 2 mg p.o. was assessed during a period of 24 hours by means of the skin model. It was co mpared to the efficacy of azelastine 1 x 4 mg, loratadine 1 x 10 mg and pla cebo, which were administered as capsules as well. All vera were superior t o placebo. The histamine-antagonistic effects of azelastine 1 x 2 mg and lo ratadine 1 x 10 mg appeared to be approximately equivalent, while azelastin e 1 x 4 mg turned out to be considerably stronger. In particular, 23 and 24 hours after drug intake, this became evident towards loratadine 10 mg. The se results suggest that many patients suffering from allergic rhinitis migh t obtain sufficient relief from their symptoms with 2 mg azelastine OD only .