A First-Generation Antihistamine Helps the Common Cold

Abigail Zuger, MD, Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York

Dec 1, 1997

Abigail Zuger, MD, Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York

December 1, 1997

Abigail Zuger, MD, Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York

December 1, 1997

Although antihistamines are included in many over-the-counter cold remedies, formal studies have failed to prove their efficacy until now. This large, multicenter, blinded study carefully . . .

Although antihistamines are included in many over-the-counter cold remedies, formal studies have failed to prove their efficacy until now. This large, multicenter, blinded study carefully examined the effect of the widely available first-generation antihistamine, clemastine, in 403 adults reporting the new onset of cold symptoms. Patients took clemastine or placebo for five days, and filed daily reports on the severity of their symptoms.

By day 2, the average sneezing severity score decreased significantly more with clemastine than with placebo (37% vs. 11%), and a significant difference persisted on days 3 and 4. In addition, the clemastine group had significant reductions in the severity of rhinorrhea on days 3 and 4, and nasal congestion …

Reviewing Author

Abigail Zuger, MD, Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York