Effectiveness of twice daily azelastine nasal spray in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

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Horak F

Effectiveness of twice daily azelastine nasal spray in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008 Oct;4(5):1009-22.

PubMed ID

19209282 [ View in PubMed

]

Abstract

Azelastine nasal spray (Allergodil((R)), Lastin((R)), Afluon((R)); Meda AB, Stockholm, Sweden) is a fast-acting, efficacious and well-tolerated H1-receptor antagonist for the treatment of rhinitis. In addition it also has mast-cell stabilizing and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the concentration of leukotrienes, kinins and platelet activating factor in vitro and in vivo, as well as inflammatory cell migration in rhinitis patients. Well-controlled studies in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), perennial rhinitis (PR) or vasomotor rhinitis (VMR) confirm that azelastine nasal spray has a rapid onset of action, and improves nasal symptoms associated with rhinitis such as nasal congestion and post-nasal drip. Azelastine nasal spray is effective at the lower dose of 1 spray as well at a dose of 2 sprays per nostril twice daily, but with an improved tolerability profile compared to the 2-spray per nostril twice daily regimen. Compared with intranasal corticosteroids, azelastine nasal spray has a faster onset of action and a better safety profile, showing at least comparable efficacy with fluticasone propionate (Flonase((R)); GSK, USA), and a superior efficacy to mometasone furoate (Nasonex((R)); Schering Plough, USA). In combination with fluticasone propionate, azelastine nasal spray exhibits greater efficacy than either agent used alone, and this combination may provide benefit for patients with difficult to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis. In addition, azelastine nasal spray can be used on an as-needed basis without compromising clinical efficacy. Compared with oral antihistamines, azelastine nasal spray also demonstrates superior efficacy and a more rapid onset of action, and is effective even in patients who did not respond to previous oral antihistamine therapy. Unlike most oral antihistamines, azelastine nasal spray is effective in alleviating nasal congestion, a particularly bothersome symptom for rhinitis sufferers. Azelastine nasal spray is well tolerated in both adults and children with allergic rhinitis. Bitter taste which seems to be associated with incorrect dosing technique is the most common side effect reported by patients, but this problem can be minimized by correct dosing technique.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs

Azelastine

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Azelastine	Histamine H1 receptor	Protein	Humans	Yes	Antagonist	Details
Azelastine	Histamine H2 receptor	Protein	Humans	Unknown	Inhibitor	Details