Usefulness of propranolol in the treatment of cholinergic urticaria
Pachor, M.L.; Lunardi, C.; Nicolis, F.; Cortina, P.; Accordini, C.; Marchi, G.; Corrocher, R.; De Sandre, G.
La Clinica Terapeutica 120(3): 205-210
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9074 PMID: 2973859 Document Number: 292229
We preent the results of a trial with propranolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent, used in cholinergic urticaria, 12 patients, 7 females and 5 males, were included in this study. Patients were selected on the basis of anamnesis. The severity of clinical manifestation was arbitrarily scored daily for one month before and during treatment using a scale from 0 to 4. All patients had a biochemical screening including the mesurement of immunoglobulins of different classes at the beginning of the trial. The dosage of propranolol was: 20 mg twice daily for one week. After the first week of treatment patients were checked for symptoms, using the same scale and blood tests. Treatment was then continued with 40 mg twice daily for three weeks. At the end of that period, patients were again checked for symptoms and laboratory parameters. The results show a significant reduction of pruritus (from 3,55 to 1,20), urticaria (from 3,50 to 1,30) and facial oedema (from 3,33 to 1,40).No side effect were noted. These data confirm the usefulness of propranolol treatment.