Allergy and asthma proceedings :
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Allergy Asthma Proc · May 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialSafety and efficacy of once-daily fexofenadine HCl in the treatment of autumn seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Fexofenadine HCl (Allegra, Telfast) is approved in the US for twice-daily dosing in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). A once-daily dose (already available in some countries outside the US) can improve patient compliance and health outcomes. This multicenter, placebo-controlled, 14-day US study was conducted to compare the safety and effectiveness of once-daily fexofenadine HCl with placebo in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe autumnal SAR symptoms. ⋯ There were no statistical differences in efficacy between the two fexofenadine doses, though the 180 mg dose showed a trend toward greater symptom relief. Incidence of adverse events was similar between fexofenadine and placebo groups (30.2% and 30.0%, respectively), with headache the most frequently reported adverse event (8.9% and 7.5%, respectively). In conclusion, once-daily fexofenadine HCl, 120 or 180 mg, is safe and effective in the treatment of autumnal SAR.