Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Bilastine 20 mg versus Fexofenadine 180 mg for Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: Randomized Controlled Study

Antihistamines has always remained the mainstay drug treatment for Allergic Rhinitis (AR). Bilastine is a novel, non-sedative antihistamine with a super-selective H1 receptor antagonist property. Both bilastine and fexofenadine are second generation antihistamine drugs commonly used to manage AR and Chronic Urticaria (CU). Autologous Skin Serum Test (ASST) is a practical test for histamine release in CU. These tests have been studied in AR patients with limited data studies.

114 patients diagnosed with perennial AR were recruited and divided into two groups of 57 each. One group was started Bilastine 20 mg once a day and other group, fexofenadine 180 mg once a day. Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) was calculated at presentation and two weeks of antihistamine therapy. ASST was hypothesized to be the test for AR and performed at the time of presentation and at two weeks follow-up. Intergroup and Intragroup assessment of TNSS, ASST and its variables were done using unpaired and paired t test respectively.

Patients showed reduction in symptoms of AR with both antihistamines. A significant improvement of sneezing and rhinorrhoea was seen in Fexofenadine group as compared to Bilastine group. TNSS showed statistically significant improvement in both the groups. ASST had statistically significant reduction in both the groups.

Both Bilastine and fexofenadine were found to be effective in reduction of symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Bilastine was found to be more effective in overall as well as sneezing and rhinorrhoea noted two weeks after therapy.