Sanofi-Aventis allergy drug approved for pediatric use

The approval was for treatment of seasonal allergies and provides a treatment option that is non-impairing to pediatric populations as young as two years old.

“Until now, parents had few seasonal antihistamine treatment options that were not associated with cognitively impairing adverse side effects,” says Eli Meltzer, of the Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a common chronic condition in children. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include nasal drainage, sneezing, watery eyes and itchy nose, eyes and throat.

Allegra has also been approved for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) for pediatric patients. CIU is a rare condition characterized by hives and has an unknown cause.

Allegra is expected to be available to consumers in time for the 2007 spring allergy season.