J W Georgitis1. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. jgeorgit@wfubmc.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anticholinergic agents, specifically the quaternary salt of atropine, are currently being recommended for chronic rhinitis and the common cold. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 50- and 75-microg doses of atropine sulfate as a nasal spray in perennial allergic rhinitis. METHODS: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study compared 2 doses of atropine nasal spray given 4 times daily for 2 weeks to 45 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis after a 2-week baseline period. RESULTS: Both concentrations of atropine nasal spray improved the severity of rhinorrhea and postnasal drip (P<.001) as reported by patients and physicians. The duration of action in reducing rhinorrhea and postnasal drip for atropine was 2 to 3 hours, compared with less than 1 hour for placebo (P<.01). No difference was noted in efficacy between the 2 atropine doses nor in frequency of adverse events with atropine nasal spray and placebo. CONCLUSIONS:Atropine sulfate, 50 or 75 microg 4 times daily, is effective in reducing rhinorrhea and postnasal drip within 2 weeks and may be an alternative therapy for the rhinorrhea component of rhinitis.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Anticholinergic agents, specifically the quaternary salt of atropine, are currently being recommended for chronic rhinitis and the common cold. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 50- and 75-microg doses of atropine sulfate as a nasal spray in perennial allergic rhinitis. METHODS: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study compared 2 doses of atropine nasal spray given 4 times daily for 2 weeks to 45 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis after a 2-week baseline period. RESULTS: Both concentrations of atropine nasal spray improved the severity of rhinorrhea and postnasal drip (P<.001) as reported by patients and physicians. The duration of action in reducing rhinorrhea and postnasal drip for atropine was 2 to 3 hours, compared with less than 1 hour for placebo (P<.01). No difference was noted in efficacy between the 2 atropine doses nor in frequency of adverse events with atropine nasal spray and placebo. CONCLUSIONS:Atropine sulfate, 50 or 75 microg 4 times daily, is effective in reducing rhinorrhea and postnasal drip within 2 weeks and may be an alternative therapy for the rhinorrhea component of rhinitis.