FEXOFENADINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC URTICARIA (CIU) PATIENTS IN KARACHI

Abstract

Objective: To describe the effects of Fexofenadine HC1180 mg administered once daily for two weeks in patients in Karachi suffering from
Chronic idiopathic Urticaria (CIU). Design: Open, non-comparative study conducted at PNSRahat (Naval Hospital) Karachi. Fexofenadine
HC1180 mg once daily was prescribed for a two weeks period to patients aged 12 years and above with history of six or more weeks of
idiopathic urticaria. Clinical symptoms and signs were evaluated before treatment and two weeks following treatment with Fexofenadine HCI.
Results: 66 Patients completed a two weeks treatment period. 94 % patients reported reduction in severity of itching whereas 53% reported
complete relief from itching. There was reduction in the number of wheals in 91 % of patients with complete disappearance of wheals in
54.5% patients. Erythema was present in 97% patients before treatment but was not detectable in 62% patients following treatment. While
63/66 (95%) patients complained that the condition interfered with their normal daily activity prior to treatment; after two weeks treatment
with Fexofenadine HCI (53/66) 80% responded that it no longer interfered with normal activity. There was a statistically significant reduction
in the mean Total Symptom Score from 13.3 (± 5.2) to 3.1 (± 3.5) with mean reduction of 10.2 (95% Cl, 8.9-11.4). 15 (23%) patients reported
a single side effect each, the most common being fatigue (eight), headache (six), and nausea (three). Conclusion: This study suggests
that Fexofenadine HCI is effective and safe in relieving symptoms and signs of patients suffering from Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria.