Background: Fluticasone propionate is a new potent, topically active corticosteroid with negligable oral bioavailability. Data on its comparative efficacy in perennial allergic and non-allergic rhinitis are limited.
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) 200 micrograms once or twice daily with beclomethasone dipropionate aqueous nasal spray (BPD) 200 micrograms twice daily and placebo in patients with allergic and non-allergic perennial rhinitis.
Methods: The 12-week study had a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, parallel group design. Efficacy was assessed from symptom scores recorded on daily diary cards.
Results: FPANS 200 micrograms once or twice daily was significantly better than placebo but not better than BDP in relieving the nasal symptoms of rhinitis. FPANS at either dose was equally effective in the treatment of allergic and non-allergic perennial rhinitis. There were few adverse events and no treatment-related abnormalities in laboratory measurements in either FPANS-treated group. Comparison between treatment groups indicated that FPANS was as well tolerated as placebo and BDP at the doses studied.
Conclusions: In the majority of patients FPANS 200 micrograms once daily in as effective as BDP 200 micrograms twice daily in the relief of perennial allergic rhinitis.