Levocetirizine as treatment for symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of levocetirizine in the treatment of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in patients consulting their primary care doctor.
Methods: Open-label uncontrolled and non-randomised multi-centre study including patients presenting symptoms of SAR and treated with levocetirizine tablets, 5 mg OD, for 4 weeks.
Inclusion criteria: patients with nasal symptoms who were not on treatment or not responsive to treatment, or affected by excessive adverse events due to the antihistamines used previously. There were two visits (initial and after four weeks). Primary end point: efficacy as measured by T4SS (combined score of sneezing, rhinorrhoea, nasal and ocular pruritus, ranging from 0 to 12 recorded by the patient); change in Clinical Global Impression (CGI-c) as rated by the general practitioner, subjective satisfaction with and preference for levocetirizine. Secondary end points: treatment-related adverse events.
Results: 1290 patients were evaluated. Before the start of the study, 61.2% did not use any medication, 36.4% took anti-histamines which were not effective, and 27.0% of those previously treated patients experienced excessive adverse events. Statistically significant decreases (p < 0.01) compared to baseline were observed for each individual symptom of the itemised T4SS as well as for the global T4SS. The CGI-c improved in 91.1% of the patients who had received treatment previously and…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 1,290 participants or records.
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