Therapeutics and Drugs Brief
Fexofenadine HCL on Quality of Life in Patients with SAR
Tanner LA, et al. Am J Man Care 1999; 5(4):S235-S247.
Second generation antihistamines (2-ga) have been developed to avoid the adversities common to first generation agents (1-GA), such as sedation, drowsiness, and performance impairment. Since these 2-GA have little ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and are less lipophilic, they should be relatively free of the common 1-GA side effects. Multiple trials have demonstrated that these agents are safe and efficacious for seasonal allergic rhinitis. The current study was designed to measure the effect of fexofenadine, a 2-GA, on general health, disease-specific quality of life, and work, classroom, and daily activity impairment. Tools used for measurement of outcomes included the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Allergy-Specific Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire, and the SF-36.
Almost 2000 patients participated in two randomized, placebo-controlled trials that were pooled for final analysis. At baseline, substantial numbers of individuals suffered embarrassment by allergy symptoms some to all of the time (70%), and being troubled by practical problems such as having to carry tissues or rub/blow their nose repeatedly (98%); also, more than 91% of sufferers reported impairment in ability to do daily activities, work productivity, and classroom productivity.
Within one week of active treatment, patients reported significantly improved quality-of-life scores and work performance. Classroom performance and missed time from class were similarly improved with fexofenadine 60 mg bid as soon as one week into active treatment. In addition to overt symptom control, fexofenadine is effective in enhancing important life quality and performance issues for seasonal allergic rhinitis sufferers. —louis kuritzky
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