Abstract
Eighty patients with hay fever took part in a double-blind study to compare the efficacy of two doses of terfenadine, namely 60 mg b.d., the standard recommended dose, and 120 mg b.d.
Thirty-nine patients received 60 mg b.d. and thirty-eight received 120 mg b.d., each given over 1 week. Symptoms were assessed at the start and end of treatment and were also recorded in diary cards. Over-all efficacy was determined by doctor and patient at the end of treatment. Onset of relief of symptoms after the first dose was recorded.
The results showed no significant differences between the two treatments. Symptom relief was good for both (54%–63% experiencing good or complete relief) and the target symptoms of hay fever (i.e. those most commonly reported) were relieved particularly well. Average onset of symptom relief was 72 minutes for 60 mg and 59 minutes for 120 mg. Side-effects were few for both doses, only three patients in total reporting sedation.
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