Efficacy of Ebastine 5 mg in the Treatment of Children with Allergic Rhinitis: A Post Marketing Surveillance Study

Allergic rhinitis is associated with decreased learning, performance and productivity at school. 1st generation anti histamines have become unpopular due to adverse effect profile. Due to convenient dosing & less adverse effects, newer anti histamines are becoming popular. Ebastine, 2^nd generation anti histamine marketed in over 50 countries & data of use in children is limited.

To evaluate efficacy of Ebastine 5 mg in treatment of children with allergic rhinitis through postmarketing surveillance study.

Children of either sex suffering from allergic rhinitis were evaluated for efficacy of ebastine in a 2 week treatment period. Total of 40 pediatricians were chosen & each given 10 pretested forms to quantify reduction in parameters: Total symptom score, running nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion, to determine efficacy of ebastine in allergic rhinitis. The incidence of sedation with ebastine during 2 week study period was taken as secondary end point.

In final analysis, 122 patients were evaluated based on completion of questionnaire & quality of data. Data was analyzed by Paired t-test using SPSS 12. Ebastine reduced all parameters tested: Total symptom score (TSS), nasal congestion, & running nose in patients at end of 2 week study period. Only 9 patients complained of mild sedation. Percentage reduction in parameters tested from baseline at end of study period was 72% for TSS, 72.5% for running nose, 72% for sneezing, & 69% for nasal congestion.

Ebastine is an efficacious 2^nd generation anti histamine in treatment of allergic rhinitis in pediatric patients with minimal incidence of sedation.