Bepotastine besilate is a selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist and a second-generation non-sedating antihistamine approved for relief from pruritis in various dermatological disorders. Aim:To study the efficacy and tolerance of Bepotastine in providing symptom relief in patients with cutaneous disorders associated with pruritus and other symptoms, in comparison to Fexofenadine.Methodology: Adult patients presenting clinically with cutaneous conditions associated with pruritis like eczemas, psoriasis, urticaria and fungal infections were randomized to receive either Bepotastine 10 mg twice daily or Fexofenadine 120 mg once daily. Patients were evaluated every week for a maximum period of four weeks. Primary end points were weekly change in patients' pruritis, wheal (where applicable) and overall VAS symptom scores. Secondary end points included number of patients attaining complete relief from symptoms at each visit, Global Investigator's rating at end of study and adverse effects seen Results: Significant decrease in patients' pruritis and overall VAS symptom score was seen from the first week itself in both groups, with no significant difference between the two groups at any visit. Wheal score in urticaria patients also showed reduction in both groups with no significant difference between the groups. The number of patients achieving complete relief was seen to be significantly more in the Bepotastine group at week 3 (P=0.01). The global investigator rating at end of study was significantly better for Bepotastine than Fexofenadine (P=0.0045). Treatment was well tolerated in both groups and no adverse events were spontaneously reported in both groups. Conclusion:Bepotastine 20 mg/day is as effective and well tolerated as compared to Fexofenadine 120 mg/day in patients presenting with cutaneous disorders associated with pruritis and other symptoms.

Article Info Although multiple new drugs are coming out in the market, India has the 2 nd highest number of diabetics in the world.The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of Comprehensive Diabetes Care (CDC) on Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and metabolic parameters in pre-obese diabetic patients. In this retrospective study, data of pre-obese DM patients who had received 6 CDC sittings over 90 days in the outpatient departments (OPDs) at Madhavbaug clinics was collected between May 2013 to April 2018. Demographic and co-morbidity details were noted. HbA1c, body mass index (BMI), abdominal girth, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), dependency on medications were assessed on days 1 and 90 of CDC. The patients followed a specific low-calorie diet plan during the study. 89 participants, (52 males, 37 females) were enrolled. Mean HbA1c measured at day 90 was significantly lower than that on day 1 (6.86 ± 1.24 vs 9.02 ± 1.79, p<0.001). Mean BMI was significantly reduced on day 90 when compared to baseline (25.39 ± 1.53 vs 27.24 ± 1.33, p<0.001). Abdominal girth was significantly decreased on day 90 compared to baseline (91.64 ± 6.26 vs 97.12 ± 7.03, p<0.001). SBP (122.83 ± 13.56 vs 131.60 ± 16.10, p<0.001) and DBP (77.02 ± 6.81 vs 81.75 ± 9.43, p<0.001) were also significantly decreased after 90 days. Dependency on concomitant medicines was reduced. Glycaemic control and metabolic parameters significantly improved after 90-day CDC treatment. Reduction in blood pressure and intake of concomitant medications were also noted.

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