Seasonal allergic rhinitis treated with a beta-2-adrenostimulant.
The aim of the study was to investigate whether topical application of a beta-2-adrenostimulant (fenoterol) on the mucous membrane has a clinically significant anti-allergic effect. Thirty-three patients with grass pollen hay fever completed the trial which was a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design. After a run-in period the patients received two puffs of 50 micrograms fenoterol 4 times a day or placebo for 21/2 weeks before cross-over. Symptoms were scored on diary cards and there was a moderate, but significant effect of fenoterol on sneezing, but the effect on secretion and blockage was insignificant. It is concluded that beta-2-stimulating agents are not competitors to the very effective topical steroids.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005280:Fenoterol / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D009299:Nasal Provocation Tests; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*
D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D005280:Fenoterol