Current evidence suggests that antihistamine-analgesic-decongestant combinations have some general benefit in adults and older children. These benefits must be weighed against the risk of adverse effects. There is no evidence of effectiveness in young children.
The effectiveness of the nonsedating antihistamine loratadine plus pseudoephedrine in the symptomatic management of the common cold.
A multicentered trial compared the effects of the non-sedating antihistamine, loratadine, 5 mg plus pseudoephedrine 120 mg with a placebo on the signs and symptoms of the common cold. One hundred forty-two (142) subjects were treated with the loratadine/pseudoephedrine combination and 141 subjects were treated with placebo twice daily for five days. Evaluations by both subjects and physicians suggest that this antihistamine/decongestant combination is superior to placebo in relieving symptoms of the common cold. Specific differences were found in symptoms including nasal congestion, sneezing, postnasal drainage, and nasal discharge. Differences between groups for the following side effects were found: dry mouth (9% for the combination vs 2% for placebo), insomnia (6% vs 3%), and nervousness (4% vs 2%). There were no differences between groups for the frequency of drowsiness.