title: Effect of azelastine nasal spray on histamine-and allergen-induced skin wheal response in patients with allergic rhinitis.
abstract: Effect of azelastine nasal spray on histamine-and allergen-induced skin test response in patients suffering with allergic rhinitis was evaluated. Baseline cutaneous response to histamine and 18 common allergen extracts were recorded by skin prick tests on 10 patients. The patients were then advised to take azelastine nasal spray (1 spray per nostril, twice daily; 0.28 mg/dose). This pediatric dose is reported to be effective also in adults (age > or = 12 years) with improved tolerability as compared with usually recommended adult dose of 2 sprays per nostril twice daily. Skin tests were repeated 2 and 6 hours after single dose, as well as after 6 days of continuous treatment. We did not find any significant difference in skin wheal response with single dose and 6 days' treatment of azelastine nasal spray (p > 0.05). It is concluded that diagnostic allergen skin tests may be performed on patients undergoing azelastine nasal spray treatment (0.28 mg/dose, twice a day) during their symptomatic period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Allergy & Applied Immunology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India. agarwalmahendra@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: Mahendra K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: Vannan K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Vijayan
authors.forename: Maansi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vermani
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006632:Histamine / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010793:Phthalazines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012882:Skin Tests; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D010793:Phthalazines; D006632:Histamine; C020976:azelastine