Rapid anti-inflammatory action of azelastine eyedrops for ongoing allergic
reactions.
Author(s): Ciprandi G, Cosentino C, Milanese M, Tosca MA.
Affiliation(s): Allergy and Immunology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Genoa University,
Genoa, Italy. giocip@unige.it
Publication date & source: 2003, Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. , 90(4):434-8
BACKGROUND: Some second-generation antihistamines have anti-inflammatory
activities, but the clinical relevance of this property is still unclear.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of azelastine when
administered during the early-phase reaction.
METHODS: This investigation was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled,
double-blind, parallel-group study. Clinical and inflammatory events were
evaluated after a single dose of azelastine eyedrops or placebo was administered
30 minutes after an allergen-specific conjunctival challenge. Twenty outpatients
with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis attributable to Parietaria judaica were
enrolled in the study outside the pollen season. Patients were evaluated at
baseline, after allergen challenge (at 30 minutes), and after administration of
azelastine (at 30 minutes and at 6 hours). The following variables were
evaluated: hyperemia, lacrimation, itching, eyelid swelling, number of
inflammatory cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes), and
intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression on conjunctival epithelial cells.
RESULTS: Azelastine, in comparison to placebo, significantly reduced symptom
scores, number of inflammatory cells, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1
expression during the early- and late-phase reaction.
CONCLUSIONS: The ability of azelastine to reduce symptoms and inflammation during
an ongoing allergic reaction can be considered concrete and convincing proof of a
clinically relevant anti-inflammatory activity.
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