One Response to “Astemizole V. Terfenadine”

1. admin says:

   November 21, 2009 at 10:50 pm

   In article <47…@mindlink.bc.ca>,
   

   Graham Butler <Graham_But…@mindlink.bc.ca> wrote:
   >        Could someone please tell me what the differences between
   >Astemizole, and Terfenadine are in terms of onset of effects, potency,
   >duration etc.?  Thanks!

   Both are non-sedating antihistamines.  Astemizole (Hismanal) has
   a delayed onset of effects and a long half-life (a week or more),
   and is administered only once a day.  These qualities make it
   less than optimal for acute relief of symptoms, though it’s useful
   for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), provided you start taking it
   early enough.  Its long half life makes timing of dosing less critical;
   people can skip or delay a dose without causing their symptoms to
   reappear.  Terfenadine has more conventional pharmacokinetics, and
   is administered twice a day.

   –
   Steve Dyer
   d…@ursa-major.spdcc.com