A double blind trial of H1 and H2 receptor antagonists in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Eighteen patients with atopic dermatitis were randomly chosen for a clinical trial to compare the action of the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine in combination with the H1 receptor antagonist chorpheniramine against the chlorpheniramine alone and against placebo. Each treatment period lasted for 4 weeks. Intensity of puritus was recorded daily by the patient on an analogue scale. Global clinical assessment was graded on a 5-point scale every 2 weeks by the investigators and weekly by the patient himself. Further study parameters were: quantity of the corticosteroid ointment used for 'emergencies'. immunoglobulin E level, and eosinophil count. The data of 16 patients was evaluated. There was no significant difference in any of the study parameters during the three treatment periods. On the basis of this study, the combined administration of H1 and H2 receptor antagonists is of no benefit in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes