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

Abstract

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 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. These 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.