title: Olopatadine Hydrochloride and Fluticasone Propionate in Topical Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: A Single Blind Randomised Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of corticosteroids or antihistaminics in treatment of allergic rhinitis is known and practiced since long. The efficacy of topical use of fluticasone propionate and Olopatadine Hydrochloride (HCL) for symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis has been studied either individually or with other drugs. But very few studies show comparison between these two drugs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of topical use of fluticasone propionate and olopatadine hydrochloride for symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this single blind, randomized control study, the efficacy of topical use of olopatadine HCL was compared with fluticasone propionate for relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The symptomatic cases were randomized in two groups for treatment using either olopatadine HCL or fluticasone propionate respectively. In each group, the Total Symptom Scores (TSS) and individual symptom scores were recorded before and after treatment with the help of symptom evaluation scale.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chi-square test, unpaired t-test, Mann Witney U-test, and Wilcoxon signed Rank test were used during analysis. The results of the comparison were noted and analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During four week study period both TSS and individual symptom score were reduced (p<0.05) in either groups. The TSS decreased by an average of 85.07% for those treated with olopatadine and by 95.55% for those treated with fluticasone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall fluticasone propionate was superior to olopatadine in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis (p<0.005).
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of ENT, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University , Karad, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Abhay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Havle
authors.affiliation: Residents, Department of ENT, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University , Karad, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Vishal
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.affiliation: Residents, Department of ENT, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University , Karad, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Md Fazal
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of ENT, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University , Karad, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Swapna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shedge
authors.affiliation: Residents, Department of ENT, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University , Karad, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dokania
authors.affiliation: Residents, Department of ENT, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University , Karad, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Vikrant
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bagwe
authors.affiliation: Residents, Department of ENT, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University , Karad, Maharashtra, India .
authors.forename: Ketan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Agarwal
keywords: Nasal obstruction; Orbital cellulitis; Pruritus; Rhinorrhea