Abstract
The effectiveness and safety of Ketotifen in the treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis were evaluated. Ketotifen 1mg was orally given twice a day to 26 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (Group A) and 17 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (Group B) for 4 consecutive weeks in principal.
In the global evaluation, the effective rate was 92.3% in Group A and 52.9% in Group B. The utility rate was 88.4% in Group A and 52.9% in Group B. Therapeutic effects appeared within 3 weeks in 84.6% of those in Group A and in 52.9% of those in Group B.
Three major symptoms of allergic rhinitis were objectively evaluated. In Group A, 70.8% had fewer sneezing attacks, 76.0% less nasal discharge, 68.0% fewer attacks of nasal obstruction. In Group B, 47.0% had fewer sneezing attacks, 50.0% less nasal discharge, 46.6% fewer attacks of nasal obstruction.
In regard to side effects, drowsiness was noted in 3 patients (7.0%). Ketotifen was more useful for perennial allergic rhinitis than the seasonal type.
