A comparison between intranasal budesonide aerosol and budesonide dry powder in the treatment of hay fever symptoms.

Sixty patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to birch pollen were enrolled in an open, randomized parallel group study. Efficacy and side effects were studied after intranasal administration of budesonide given as a freon propellant aerosol or as dry powder with a sniff actuated inhalation device. Medication started a few days before the actual peak pollen season and lasted for three weeks. The dose was 400 micrograms once daily. Efficacy was assessed daily by patient-rated symptoms scores and by nasal peak inspiratory flow measurements at the visits to the clinic. Safety was assessed by monitoring clinical adverse events. No clear changes in nasal symptom scores or nasal peak flow occurred during the pollen season in either treatment group as compared to the pretreatment period, although the pollen season was very difficult in Finland during the study, ad 12000 grains per m3. Substantial or total control of symptoms was achieved in 93% of the patients in the aerosol group and in 79% in the powder group. Side effects were minimal in both groups. We conclude that dry powder administration of budesonide is as effective and well tolerated as the aerosol in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes