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Indian Journal of Pharmacology
Medknow Publications on behalf of Indian Pharmacological Society
ISSN: 0253-7613 EISSN: 0253-7613
Vol. 42, No. 1, 2010, pp. 12-16
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Bioline Code: ph10004
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Indian Journal of Pharmacology, Vol. 42, No. 1, 2010, pp. 12-16
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Loratadine versus levocetirizine in chronic idiopathic urticaria: A comparative study of efficacy and safety
Anuradha, P.; Maiti, Rituparna; Jyothirmai, J.; Mujeebuddin, Omer & Anuradha, M.
Abstract
Background : Treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is challenging because of its unpredictable course and negative influence on the quality of life. New treatments are being developed, but antihistaminics remain the cornerstone of the therapeutic approach. Newer generation antihistaminics such as loratadine and levocetirizine have already proved to be safe and efficacious for CIU.
Objective : To choose the better drug between loratadine and levocetirizine for CIU, by comparing their efficacy and safety.
Methods : A randomized, open, outdoor-based clinical study was conducted on 60 patients of CIU, to compare the two drugs. After initial clinical assessment and baseline investigations, loratadine was prescribed to 30 patients and levocetirizine to another 30 patients for four weeks. At follow-up, the patients were re-evaluated and then compared using different statistical tools.
Result : The comparative study showed that the changes in differential eosinophil count (P = 0.006) and absolute eosinophil count (P = 0.003) in the levocetirizine group was statistically significant. The results of the Total Symptom Score showed better symptomatic improvement of CIU with levocetirizine as compared to loratadine. The overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was also found to be less in the levocetirizine group.
Conclusion : An analysis of the results of all the parameters of safety and efficacy proves the superiority of levocetirizine over loratadine for CIU.
Keywords
Absolute eosinophil count, chronic idiopathic urticaria, levocetirizine, loratadine, total symptom score
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© Copyright 2010 Indian Journal of Pharmacology. Alternative site location: http://www.ijp-online.com
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