The Effect of Chlorpheniramine Maleate on Pulmonary Function in Children with Allergic Rhinitis with and without Asthma

Abstract

Prior research with antihistamines in patients with asthma have yielded conflicting results regarding the potential for both therapeutic and adverse effects. Twenty children, 10 with allergic rhinitis and asthma and 10 with allergic rhinitis without asthma, were treated with chlorpheniramine maleate 0.1 mg/kg per dose and their pulmonary function (FEV, FVC, PEF) studied four times over a 2-hour study period, in a double-blind, crossover fashion. No significant changes in pulmonary function, either adverse or beneficial, were noted in either group of patients. While potential for beneficial effects in asthma will require further study with more potent antihistamines, single doses of chlorpheniramine maleate do not adversely affect pulmonary function in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma and patients with allergic rhinitis without asthma and may be safely employed for allergic symptoms.