Efficacy of Rupatadine 5, 10 and 20 mg in Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria

Inclusion Criteria: Man or woman aged between 12 and 65 Documented history of active CIU (urticaria wheals) with or without an associated angioedema for at least three days per week over the last 6 weeks prior to Day 0 Active CIU (score ³2 labelled as moderate pruritus) for at least 3 days (not necessarily consecutive days) in the week before inclusion with a total score of active CIU ³6 labelled as moderate pruritus for these 3 days Results of standard laboratory biochemistry and haematology tests obtained at screening within acceptable limits as assessed by investigator Patient who signed the informed consent form - Exclusion Criteria: CIU associated to some underlying disease (Hodgkin's disease/vasculitis/lupus erythematous/hepatitis) Patient under any systemic or topical medication for CIU and/or an inferior wash-out period as stated as follows: H1-receptor antagonists: fexofenadine (10 days prior to Day 0), loratadine, cetirizine, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, cyproheptadine, etc. (3 days prior to Day 0) H2-receptor antagonists: cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine (2 days prior to Day 0) H1- and H2-receptor antagonists: doxepin (7 days prior to Day 0) Leukotriene antagonists: zafirlukast and montelukast (4 days prior to Day 0) Corticosteroids: prednisone and methylprednisolone (7 days prior to Day 0) Tricyclic antidepressants: imipramin and amitriptilin (30 days prior to Day 0) The informed consent form must be signed prior to any washout period is set up. Physical urticaria due to cold, heat, and/or sun Cholinergic urticaria Patient taking any potential inhibitors of the CYP3A4 isozyme of cytochrome P450 such as ketoconazole, erythromycin and/or tricyclic antidepressants, e.g. imipramin, amitriptilin, etc. Urticaria due to known aetiology (e.g., medications, insects bites, food, etc) Patient unresponsive to antihistaminic treatment Patient with psychiatric disorders, vascular, hepatic, neurological, endocrine or other major systemic disease Pregnant or lactating female Patient with any heart abnormality of clinical relevance or any pathological changes of the heart rate Patient under any medication which could interfere with drug effect or with interpretation of efficacy parameters Subject handling dangerous machinery or driving as an integral part of his/her occupation Patient with hereditary angioedema or isolated dermographism Patient with disease caused by a parasite