Comparative study of astemizole and terfenadine in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria. A randomized double-blind study of 40 patients.

Abstract

Forty patients with chronic urticaria were treated with terfenadine or astemizole in a randomized double-blind study. The intensity of the symptoms was quantified and documented daily by the patients. Both antihistamines had a clear effect on the intensity of the pruritus and the severity of the wheals. Neither astemizole nor terfenatine produced any sedative side effects.