Research In Brief
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Butterbur vs. Zyrtec: Herbal "should be considered for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis when the sedative effects of antihistamines need to be avoided," Andreas Schapowal, et al., Petasites Study Group, report in Jan. 19 British Medical Journal. In a randomized, double-blind trial, the German and Swiss researchers compared efficacy, tolerability of Petasites hybridus with cetirizine (Pfizer's Zyrtec) in 125 hay fever sufferers for two weeks. Effects of two treatments were comparable, researchers report, adding "butterbur was well tolerated and did not have the sedative effects associated with antihistamines. Fatigue and drowsiness accounted for two-thirds of adverse events reported in the antihistamine group"...