Prophylaxis of seasonal allergic rhinitis with a new antihistaminic drug.

The efficacy and tolerance of alpha-[4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenyl]-4-(hydroxydiphenylmethyl)-1- piperidinebutanol (terfenadine, RMI 9918, Triludan, Teldane, resp.) 60 mg b.i.d. were investigated in 25 patients in an open clinical trial lasting six months. Terfenadine was applied prophylactically against seasonal allergic rhinitis. Terfenadine produced no change in body functions or laboratory values (heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and blood pressure). In this long-term study terfenadine was tolerated very well. All patients were free of severe side effects. No attacks of allergic rhinitis were seen due to the potent prophylactic efficacy of terfenadine. In this study terfenadine showed good efficacy and tolerance similar to that reported by former clinical studies. It should be emphasized that sedation was not observed with terfenadine.