A comparative study of loratadine versus pheniramine maleate in chronic idiopathic urticaria

Fifty cases with chronic idiopathic urticaria of more than 3 months duration were selected and divided into two groups. Group ′A′ was given 10 mg loratadine once daily, while group ′B′ was given pheniramine maleate 25 mg, twice daily for one month. All patients were followed for one month more. 48% excellent response was observed in group ′A′ while 16% excellent response was observed in group ′B′. Good response was observed in 24% of patients in group ′A′, while in group ′B′ 16% of patients had good response. No side effects were observed in loratadine group, while drowsiness was observed in pheniramine group