Efficacy and safety of loratadine suspension in the treatment of children with allergic rhinitis

The safety and efficacy of loratadine was compared with that of dexchlorpheniramine in children with allergic rhinitis. Twenty-one children received loratadine 0.11-0.24 mg/kg ideal body weight once daily and 19 dexchlorpheniramine 0.10-0.23 mg/kg every 8 h (0.30-0.69 mg/24 h) for 14 consecutive days. Both loratadine and dexchlorpheniramine were effective in reducing nasal and ocular symptoms in allergic children. Substantial improvement in allergy symptoms was observed at the first evaluation (day 3 of treatment) and was maintained for the study duration. No significant trend of abnormality in laboratory parameters was observed. Drowsiness was present only in the dexchlorpheniramine-treated group. Loratadine appears to be a simple, effective and safe therapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis.