Relief of cough and nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis by mometasone furoate nasal spray.
BACKGROUND
Cough commonly occurs as a symptom of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), an inflammatory condition of the nasal mucous membranes that results in rhinorrhea, nasal stuffiness/congestion, nasal itching, and sneezing. Mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS, Nasonex, Schering, Kenilworth, NJ), an anti-inflammatory nasal corticosteroid, has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing the nasal inflammation of SAR.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of MFNS in relieving SAR-associated cough, in addition to nasal symptoms.


METHODS
This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study. Patients 12 years of age or older with > or = 1-year history of SAR symptoms, positive skin test to a prevailing seasonal allergen, moderate nasal symptoms, and moderate cough were treated for 14 days with MFNS 200 microg daily (n = 122) or placebo (n = 123).


RESULTS
The group treated with MFNS showed significant improvement in the daytime cough severity score at endpoint compared with placebo (P = 0.049). Improvement in the nighttime cough severity score showed a trend in favor of MFNS treatment. Treatment with MFNS significantly improved total nasal symptoms in both the daytime and nighttime compared with placebo at endpoint (P < or = 0.017). Overall daytime symptom scores (cough + total nasal) improved significantly compared with placebo at endpoint (P = 0.005). Overall nighttime symptom scores improved significantly compared with placebo at endpoint (P = 0.028). Treatments were well tolerated, with no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
MFNS is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of daytime cough associated with SAR.
Gawchik
Sandra
S
Asthma and Allergy Associates, Upland, Pennsylvania, USA. smgawchik@aol.com
Goldstein
Stanley
S
Prenner
Bruce
B
John
Ani
A
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D000368:Aged; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003371:Cough / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000068656:Mometasone Furoate; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011244:Pregnadienediols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012449:Safety; D012912:Sneezing / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000336:Aerosols; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D011244:Pregnadienediols; D000068656:Mometasone Furoate