Effectiveness of Clemastine Fumarate for Treatment of Rhinorrhea and Sneezing Associated with the Common Cold

Abstract

Limited data support the use of first-generation antihistamines for treatment of the common cold. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of clemastine fumarate, a first-generation antihistamine, for treatment of sneezing and rhinorrhea associated with naturally occurring common colds. Four hundred three subjects (202 clemastine fumarate recipients and 201 placebo recipients) who reported new onset (P < .001). This treatment effect persisted on day 4. A significant effect on sneezing was noted on days 2–4. Sedation occurred in 14% of the clemastine fumarate-treated subjects and 1.5% of the placebo-treated subjects (P < .0001).