AQUEOUS BECLOMETHASONE DIPROPRIONATE NASAL SPRAY - REGULAR VERSUS AS REQUIRED USE IN THE TREATMENT OF SEASONAL ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Objective: to determine the effect of alternative regimens of nasal steroid administration on symptoms and quality of life. Design: randomized, double-blind, parallel-group comparison. Subjects: sixty ragweed-sensitive adults recruited from participants of previous studies and through media advertising. Interventions: 200 μg of aqueous beclomethasone diproprionate nasal spray, twice daily, from 1 week before until 1 week after the ragweed-pollen season (regular) or 100 μg of the spray, taken as required, up to 400 μg daily; troublesome nasal symptoms were treated, in both groups, by increasing the daily dose to 800 μg until symptoms were controlled. If this treatment was insufficient, 120 mg of terfenadine, daily, was added. Results: One subject in the "as required"-treated group withdrew with uncontrolled nasal symptoms. In the remaining subjects, sneezing, stuffy nose, and rhinorrhea, measured by a daily diary, were significantly better controlled in the regular-treated group (p<0.025). Impairment of quality of life, including sleep disturbance, nonhay fever symptoms, practical problems, and uncomfortable emotions were greater in the as required-treated group (p<0.001). Subjects in the regular-treated group required less additional terfenadine (0.27 tablets per subject versus 1.40; p=0.022). Eye symtoms and eye-drop use were similar in the two treated groups. Conclusion: In patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, regular use of inhaled steroids results in fewer symptoms and better quality of life than when the spray is taken only as required. © 1990 Mosby-Year Book, Inc.