title: Cost-effective pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis.
abstract: This article provides guidelines for pharmacotherapy to maximize symptom relief from allergic rhinitis. Consideration of frequency, severity, and site of symptoms is important in directing pharmacotherapy efficacy and maximizing cost-effectiveness. The agents available include antihistamines, decongestants, steroids, mast cell stabilizers, anticholinergic agents, and mucolytics. Appropriate indications for each and combinations of various agents are discussed within the context of drug efficacy, side effects, affordability, and ease of compliance. The direct and indirect costs of allergic rhinitis are not well delineated but are explored to put the costs of therapy in perspective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004180:Direct Service Costs; D004338:Drug Combinations; D016527:Drug Costs; D005100:Expectorants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005100:Expectorants; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D014663:Nasal Decongestants