[Dexpanthenol nasal spray in comparison to dexpanthenol nasal ointment. A prospective, randomised, open, cross-over study to compare nasal mucociliary clearance].
BACKGROUND
Recent technical developments in metered pump systems allow the production and use of preservative-free nasal products. The aim of the current study is to compare the tolerability of a preservative-free dexpanthenol (5%) nasal spray with that of the established dexpanthenol (5%) nasal ointment, also without preservatives. The main outcome measure was in vivo mucociliary clearance.


METHODS
Mucociliary clearance was assessed by saccharin migration time in 20 volunteers. Wash-out phases were 7 days and the spray or ointment was always applied 20 min before the saccharin test. The study was designed to test for non-inferiority.


RESULTS
Saccharin migration time was slightly longer after ointment administration, however, these were not significantly different to nasal spray. The saccharin migration time showed a significant correlation with the age of the volunteers. The upper confidence limit of dexpanthenol nasal spray was markedly less than that of the ointment. Therefore, dexpanthenol nasal spray is at least equal to if not better than dexpanthenol nasal ointment.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to its ease of administration, preservative-free dexpanthenol nasal spray offers a valuable therapeutic alternative.
Verse
T
T
Universitäts-Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik Mannheim. thomas.verse@hno.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
Klöcker
N
N
Riedel
F
F
Pirsig
W
W
Scheithauer
M O
MO
D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009079:Mucociliary Clearance / Q000187:drug effects*; D009824:Ointments; D010205:Pantothenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000336:Aerosols; D009824:Ointments; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D010205:Pantothenic Acid; C007288:dexpanthenol