Evaluation of efficacy of topical and systemic antihistaminic drugs in children with allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of topical and systemic antihistaminic drugs in children with allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: This prospective, hospital-based study was conducted on children aged 6-18 years attending pediatric and ENT OPD. The children with a clinical diagnosis of AR were selected for study and were divided into two groups randomly. Group A children received oral second generation antihistamine levocetrizine and Group B children received intranasal antihistaminic drug azelastine. Both groups received medications for 4 weeks. A post therapy response was recorded in the form of symptomatic and histopathological response. Results: There was better symptomatic response for sneezing and rhinorrhea with levocetrizine than azelastine but better response for nasal blockage with azelastine. There was no significant difference in histopathological response of both groups. Conclusion: Levocetrizine was showing better symptomatic response as topical azelastine and also showing better acceptability.