Abstract
Pemirolast potassium (Aiegysai®) was administered to 58 patients demonstrating an allergy to cedar pollen in 1995, at about 3.6 weeks before the onset of the cedar pollen season, to see if preseasonal administration would prevent symptoms. Efficacy was evaluated in 46 patients, including 35 patients who received preseasonal treatment and 11 patients who only received therapeutic treatment. 1. The percentage of patients with slight to severe symptoms was significantly higher in the preseasonal treatment group early in the cedar pollen season. 2. As for the severity of symptoms, early in the cedar pollen season the scores were significantly lower in the preseasonal treatment group than in the therapeutic treatment group. In the middle of the cedar pollen season the nasal congestion scores were also significantly lower in the preseasonal treatment group. 3. Adverse reactions occurred in 2 patients (2/44; 4.5%) given preseasonal treatment and in 1 given therapeutic treatment (1/14; 7.1%) All adverse reactions were resolved after either the termination or temporary discontinuation of the medication. These findings indicate that although the symptoms of cedar pollen allergy can not be prevented, they can at least be suppressed by administering Alegysal® before the onset of the cedar pollen season.
