Fluticasone propionate in allergic rhinitis - efficacy, tolerability and quality of life.

Fluticasone propionate is a new topical corticosteroid offering high anti-inflammatory activity together with a favourable safety profile. The efficacy and safety of intranasal fluticasone propionate treatment and effects on the quality of life were evaluated in an open, multicentre study of six weeks duration in patients with allergic rhinitis. A total population of 147 patients with a known history of perennial (n = 96) or saisonal allergic rhinitis (n = 34), or both were entered if symptomatic at entry. Patients received fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (200 mu g) applied as a once daily dose each morning for six weeks. Mean rhinitis symptom severity scores, evaluated by means of a standardized questionnaire, were improved from 1.7 (pre-treatment value) to 0.8 after three weeks and 0.6 after six weeks of treatment (with a score of 0 meaning no symptoms and a score of 3 being the highest symptom score). Both patient and clinician-rated overall assessments of efficacy were reported as ''very effective'' or ''effective'' in more than 80% of cases studied. Furthermore, the study revealed clear improvements in nearly all quality of life parameters determined. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 4.8% of the patient population. The study results confirm the effectiveness and safety of fluticasone propionate 200 mu g once daily in patients with allergic rhinitis. Moreover, clear improvements in the everyday life of allergic rhinitis patients have been demonstrated.