[Loratadine in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis].

A single blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was performed during a pollen season in 41 patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis. A group of 26 patients was treated with loratadine (10 mg daily in one dose) for 3 weeks. Placebo was given in the group of 15 patients (1 tablet daily) during 8-10 days. The following parameters were assessed: clinical symptoms (rhinorhea, sneezing, blockage, nasal itching, eye symptoms), rhinoscopy, at baseline and after 8 and 21 days of the treatment. Eosinophils in nasal secretion were countered before and after the medication. Patients recorded daily nasal and ocular symptoms and possible adverse events in diary cards. It was shown a statistical significant improvement of clinical symptoms in the group treated with loratadine in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.01). Very good and good results were observed in 84.6% of the treated with loratadine patients. The reduction of eosinophilia in nasal secretion during medication period was noted. Loratadine did not induce more side effects than placebo.