Effect of azelastine on the seasonal increase in non‐specific bronchial responsiveness to methacholine in pollen allergic patients. A randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled, crossover study

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.1992.tb03098.x
• Publication Date: 2006-04-28T14:02:05Z
• Authors: G. BALZANO; C. GALLO; C. MASI; G. COCCO; P. FERRANTI; E. MELILLO; G. SECCIA
• Keywords: Azelastine; Methacholine; Crossover study

Summary Azelastine, a phthalazinone derivative, is new potent, long acting, orally active anti‐allergic compound with particularly strong H 1 ‐histamine receptor antagonistic effects which has been proven to possess in vitro and vivo number of anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim the present study was investigate whether azelastine would be able prevent and/or reverse seasonal increase non‐specific bronchial responsiveness methacholine pollen allergic patients. Twelve atopic patients (5 males, mean age 31 years), skin positive exclusively grass Parietaria extract, rhinitis mild asthma occurring spring for at least two years previously, were studied. After 2 week run‐in period, oral azelastine, 4 mg twice daily, or placebo, given weeks from start season, according randomized, double‐blind design. weeks, treatments crossed over. During both periods, recorded symptoms, additional antihistamine bronchodilator drugs taken peak expiratory flow measurements. A inhalation test carried out on four occasions each patient: before treatment, end treatment periods. Azelastine significantly reduced symptoms need drugs, whereas asthmatic use recordings unaffected by treatment. Compliance level adverse side‐effects not different between placebo. In final subjective evaluation treatments, eight 12 preferred azelastine. Thus, confirmed effective safe rhinitis. However, our patients, we have demonstrate any anti‐asthmatic action drug.