Comparison of once-daily intranasal corticosteroids for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: are they all the same?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to describe the similarities and differences among the 4 aqueous once-daily intranasal corticosteroids (INS) for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). INS are the recommended first-line therapy for all patients with AR that is greater than mild intermittent in severity. DATA SOURCE/STUDY SELECTION: Data were obtained from MEDLINE searches of all English-language articles published from January 1966 to January 2005 with the following search terms: allergic rhinitis and intranasal corticosteroid, nasal steroid, budesonide aqueous nasal spray, fluticasone propionate nasal spray, mometasone furoate nasal spray, or triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray. Also selected for review were data from published abstracts from recent scientific meetings.


METHODS
Data comparing efficacy, safety, patient preferences, and cost-effectiveness of any of the 4 available aqueous once-daily INS were extracted from the studies and are summarized.


CONCLUSIONS
All 4 aqueous once-daily INS available in the United States for the treatment of AR are similar with regard to efficacy and safety at the recommended starting dose. However, differences in patient preference, cost, and safety of use during pregnancy may contribute to primary care physicians' selection of an INS therapy for their patients.
Yawn
Barbara
B
Olmsted Medical Center, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones