Fexofenadine reduces nasal congestion in perennial allergic rhinitis

Background: Nasal congestion is the predominant symptom in perennial allerg ic rhinitis (PAR), and it seems to be mainly related to the late-phase infl ammatory events. The present pilot Study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect exerted by fexofenadine in patients with PAR due to mite allergy. Methods: This study was a parallel, double-blind, randomized. three-arm(1:1 :1), placebo-controlled study. Thirty-one subjects with PAR were enrolled a nd received double-blind medication: fexofenadine 120 or 180 mg, or placebo . once a day for 28 days. Results: The total symptom score was reduced by fexofenadine (both dosages) at V2 (P=0.007), whereas placebo did not modify it. Nasal congestion decre ased after I week of treatment with fexofenadine 120 (P=0.027) and 180 (P=0 .01), but not with placebo (P=NS). At V3, fexofenadine (both dosages) signi ficantly reduced nasal congestion (P=0.011 and P=0.007, respectively), by p lacebo did not show any significant effect. Conclusions: This pilot study represents the first evidence of the efficacy of fexofenadine in PAR, and also the control of the nasal congestion. We s uggest performing larger trials to confirm these preliminary findings.