Rupatadine 20 mg and 40 mg are Effective in Reducing the Symptoms of Chronic Cold Urticaria

Acta Derm Venereol. 2016 Jan;96(1):56-9. doi: 10.2340/00015555-2150.

Abstract

Chronic cold urticaria (ColdU) is a rare disease characterized by mast cell-mediated wheals and angioedema following cold exposure. Second-generation H1-antihistamines, such as rupatadine, are the recommended first-line therapy. As of yet, the effects of rupatadine up-dosing on development of ColdU symptom have only been partially characterized. Two-centre, randomized, double-blind, 3-way crossover, placebo-controlled study in patients with a confirmed ColdU was designed to assess the effects of up-dosing of rupatadine. A total of 23 patients were randomized to receive placebo, rupatadine 20 mg/day, and rupatadine 40 mg/day for 1 week. The primary outcome was change in critical temperature thresholds and critical stimulation time thresholds after treatment. Secondary endpoints included assessment of safety and tolerability of rupatadine. Both 20 and 40 mg rupatadine were highly effective in reducing critical temperature thresholds (p < 0.001) and critical stimulation time thresholds (p < 0.001). In conclusion, rupatadine 20 and 40 mg significantly reduced the development of chronic cold urticaria symptom without an increase in adverse effects.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cold Temperature / adverse effects*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Cyproheptadine / administration & dosage
  • Cyproheptadine / adverse effects
  • Cyproheptadine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / administration & dosage*
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Remission Induction
  • Spain
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urticaria / diagnosis
  • Urticaria / drug therapy*
  • Urticaria / etiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating
  • rupatadine
  • Cyproheptadine