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| |  AAAAI: Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) More Effective Than Claritin (Loratadine) In Seasonal Allergy Symptoms MORRIS PLAINS, NJ -- March 21, 2001 -- Data presented at the 57th Annual American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) meeting revealed that the leading over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine, Benadryl® (diphenhydramine), showed significant superior efficacy over the leading prescription medication loratadine (marketed as Claritin®) in relief of total nasal symptoms. In the two placebo-controlled studies, known as "Cedar Fever" and "Ragweed," Benadryl was at least 54 percent more effective in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis over Claritin. The results of the studies were recently published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The allergy season leaves some consumers trying on average three different allergy medications, both prescription and OTC, before finding one that works well for them. "These two studies show that in this case, the over-the-counter medication is more effective than a prescription counterpart, Claritin," said Dr. David O. Thueson author of Thueson's Guide to Over-The-Counter Drugs. "OTC antihistamines, like Benadryl, are a convenient and cost effective way for consumers to manage their allergies; now there is data to prove they are more effective. This is great news for consumers." The multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies conducted with 870 patients showed an overall greater reduction in nasal signs and symptoms, in patients given diphenhydramine (50mg three times a day) than those given loratadine (10mg once a day). The studies focused on patients suffering from signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Study participants were randomized to diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin) or placebo. Patients were evaluated by the investigators after three and seven days of treatment, and kept daily diaries to measure their daily symptoms such as: nasal discharge/runny nose, sneezing, congestion/stuffiness and nasal itching. In both studies, allergy symptom relief by Benadryl was statistically significant over both Claritin and the placebo. The studies were conducted in areas of the United States where abundant cedar trees, ragweed, and other fall weed pollens can cause severe allergies. The most common adverse event experienced by study participants taking Benadryl in both studies was sedation. This side effect decreased by day seven in both studies.
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