Nedocromil sodium is rapidly effective in the therapy of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
BACKGROUND
Nedocromil sodium has proven to be efficacious in prophylactic and long-term therapy for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. We examined the speed of onset of intranasal nedocromil sodium (1%) for relief of symptoms due to ragweed allergic rhinitis.


METHODS
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 104 patients received either nedocromil sodium or placebo four times daily. Patients spent 10 hours per day for 2 consecutive days in Iowa City Park during the peak of ragweed season. Only patients who had significant symptoms during 3 hourly baseline assessments received drug. Symptom scores for stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing and global symptom summary scores were recorded at 19 hourly time points during the 2 days. In the evening patients recorded symptom scores for the postexposure period.


RESULTS
In comparison with placebo, nedocromil significantly improved rhinitis symptoms as evidenced by lower symptom summary scores within 2 hours (p = 0.016). Further, this reduction in rhinitis symptoms was maintained throughout the 2-day pollen exposure period. After patients left the study site, postexposure symptom summary scores were also significantly lower in patients treated with nedocromil compared with those treated with placebo (p < 0.007).


CONCLUSIONS
Nedocromil significantly relieved preexisting seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms during peak pollen exposures within 2 hours of the first dose, and the therapeutic benefits were maintained on a dosing regimen of four times a day.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City.
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Donnelly
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Casale
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017835:Nedocromil; D015363:Quinolones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D015363:Quinolones; D017835:Nedocromil