BACKGROUND: Local alpha-sympathomimetics in hydrous solution are well known in the therapy of acute rhinitis and sinusitis. However, added preservatives like benzalkonium chloride have a negative effect on compatibility. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 307 patients with acute rhinitis entered the study. The treatment with oxymetazoline with preservative, oxymetazoline without preservative and xylometazoline with preservative was evaluated. RESULTS: This randomised, double-blind, multi-centered, verum-controlled tolerance study confirmed that the local sympathomimetics oxymetazoline and xylometazoline are well tolerated in the treatment of acute rhinitis. When evaluated according to the parameters "feeling of dryness in nasal mucosa" and "burning sensation", the Nasivin sanft 0.05% spray, which contains the active agent oxymetazoline without preservatives, proved to be considerably superior to preparations containing the preservative benzalkonium chloride. CONCLUSION: Preparations without preservatives should be the preferred choice of treatment for acute rhinitis.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Local alpha-sympathomimetics in hydrous solution are well known in the therapy of acute rhinitis and sinusitis. However, added preservatives like benzalkonium chloride have a negative effect on compatibility. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 307 patients with acute rhinitis entered the study. The treatment with oxymetazoline with preservative, oxymetazoline without preservative and xylometazoline with preservative was evaluated. RESULTS: This randomised, double-blind, multi-centered, verum-controlled tolerance study confirmed that the local sympathomimetics oxymetazoline and xylometazoline are well tolerated in the treatment of acute rhinitis. When evaluated according to the parameters "feeling of dryness in nasal mucosa" and "burning sensation", the Nasivin sanft 0.05% spray, which contains the active agent oxymetazoline without preservatives, proved to be considerably superior to preparations containing the preservative benzalkonium chloride. CONCLUSION: Preparations without preservatives should be the preferred choice of treatment for acute rhinitis.