LONG-TERM TREATMENT OF PERENNIAL ALLERGIC RHINITIS WITH IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE NASAL SPRAY 0.06-PERCENT

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of ipratropium bromide nasal spray 0.06 % (aqueous solution), 84 mu g per nostril three times a day, in reducing nasal hypersecretion in the long-term treatment of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). This was an open-label I-year trial. In the first 6 months all patients were treated with two puffs ipratropium bromide nasal spray 0.06 %, 84 mu g per nostril three times per day, unless they were unable to tolerate the dose. lit the last 6 months the dose could be reduced to the lowest amount required to control rhinorrhea. Ninety-sir patients entered the trial, and 47 completed it. Sixty-three patients completed more than 6 months of treatment. Patient and physician global evaluation suggested that ipratropium bromide nasal spray 0.06 % is effective in controlling rhinorrhea associated with PAR and can contribute to control of congestion, postnasal drip, and sneezing. There was also a trend toward reduction of mucosal edema and improvement in quality of life. The most common drug-related adverse events were nasal dryness, epistaxis/nose bleed, and increased rhinitis. Most adverse events were mild and resulted in drug discontinuation in less than 10 % of patients. Ipratropium bromide nasal spray was well tolerated and not associated with serious drug-related adverse events or clinically significant anticholinergic side effects. Use of ipratropium bromide nasal spray alone or with other standard medications should be considered in treating patients with PAR.