Budesonide once-daily in seasonal allergic rhinitis

Summary

A randomized, parallel group, double-blind multi-centre study was carried out in 342 patients with symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis to assess the efficacy and tolerability of intranasal budesonide administered either as a single morning dose of 400 μg or as a 200 μpg twice-daily dose, morning and evening, for 4 weeks. Both treatments improved the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis; specific nasal symptom scores recorded daily by the patient being reduced. The proportions of patients symptom free after 4-weeks'treatment were 46% in the 400 μg once-daily group and 54% in the 200 μg twice-daily group, with total daily symptom scores recorded by diary cards reduced by 79% and 80%, respectively. The differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Subgroup analysis of patients allergic to grass pollen (n = 166) showed similar total symptom scores at each level of grass pollen exposure (no significant difference between treatment groups). Patients assessed both treatments to be effective (no significant dgference between groups), with 65% of patients questioned stating a preference for a once-daily treatment given equal symptom control. Both treatments were equally well tolerated and few side-effects were reported.

Key Words::

• Budesonide
• hay fever
• administration
• intransaal