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Comparative Multicentric Double-Blind Study between Dexchlorpheniramine and Astemizole in the Treatment of Children with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Fifty-eight children with perennial allergic rhinitis from university centers (SP, RJ, PR—Brazil) were divided into two groups of 29 children each and received, in a double-blind test, astemizole (A) or dexchlorpheniramine (D) for 28 days. Age, sex, time of disease, and characteristics of the initial physical examination were similar in both groups. The improvement of coryza and nasal and eye itching was similar in both groups. Significantly better responses were observed in the children treated with A in relation to sneezing, watering eyes, and nasal obstruction. The increase of appetite and weight was similar in groups A and D. Drowsiness was significantly higher in group D. There was no difference in blood and urine analyses in both groups. In the global evaluation done by the physicians, group A improvement was significantly better on the 21st day of treatment. We conclude that there was a better therapeutic response, with longer duration of action and less drowsiness, in the children treated with astemizole.