Clinical efficacy and safety of a combined loratadine-betamethasone oral solution in the treatment of severe pediatric perennial allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND

: Allergic rhinitis is a highly prevalent condition, particularly among children, whose schoolwork and quality of life may be impaired by its symptoms.

METHODS

: In this prospective, multicenter study, children between 6 and 12 years old with a diagnosis of severe perennial allergic rhinitis received a combination of the nonsedating antihistamine loratadine and the corticosteroid betamethasone in an oral solution for 5 days.

RESULTS

: The total nasal and ocular symptom score was significantly reduced from 11.4 (±2.1) before treatment to 2.9 (±2.4) after treatment (P < 0.01). Significant reductions (P < 0.01) were also observed for sneezing, nasal pruritus, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, and ocular erythema and pruritus. No adverse events were reported, and no subject discontinued treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

: The combination of loratadine and betamethasone in an oral solution was safe and effective as initial short-term treatment for symptoms of severe perennial allergic rhinitis in school-aged children.