Flunisolide—a new intranasal steroid for the treatment of allergic rhinitis

Abstract

A double-blind, cross-over comparison of flunisolide nasal spray and its inactive aqueous vehicle was carried out in 50 patients suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis. Patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups. The 1st group (group I) received flunisolide for 3 wk and then placebo for 3 wk while the regimes were given in the reverse order to the 2nd group (group II). Patients used 2 insufflations of 0.1 ml in each nostril twice daily. As the active spray was presented as a 0.025% solution of flunisolide, the total daily dosage was 200 .mu.g. Patients were assessed on admission and at the end of each 3 wk period. Flunisolide was significantly superior to placebo in relieving sneezing, nasal obstruction and post-nasal drip and improving the quality of sleep and everyday life. At the end of the trial the preferences for treatment recorded by both doctors and patients were significantly in favor of the flunisolide spray. Side effects were minor and occurred during both placebo and active phases of the trial. A short Synacthen test performed at each visit showed no evidence of adrenal suppression.