[The tolerability of nasal drugs with special regard to preservatives and physico-chemical parameters].

BACKGROUND

Recent technical developments allow preservative-free nasal drug application in multi-dose systems. New pharmaceutical formulations for better tolerable nasal sprays are now possible and consequently reformulations introduced to the market. Therefore, a representative and systematic overview on comparable products is mandatory.

METHODS

Marketed nasal products in the indication groups: decongestants, antiallergics, care and wound-healing, hormones and saline solutions were tested for their cytotoxic properties according to DIN EN 30 993 - 5, pH, and osmolality.

RESULTS

In all indication groups reformulation to preservative-free application resulted in significant increase of cell growth and reduction of cytotoxicity. Physico-chemical galenic properties are of considerable importance too. With decongestants tolerability is dependant on the concentration of the active compound.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data lead to the conclusion that preserved nasal sprays are obsolete, when preservative-free alternatives are available. Attention should be paid to galenic properties and dosage of the active.