A double blind comparison of intranasal budesonide 400 micrograms and 800 micrograms in perennial rhinitis.

A randomized double blind placebo controlled cross-over study comparing budesonide 400 micrograms and budesonide 800 micrograms daily in 59 patients is presented. Nasal obstruction was the predominant symptom and was subjectively and objectively improved by both doses of budesonide (P less than 0.001). No significant difference was found between the two treatments. Both patient subgroups with non-allergic, non-eosinophilic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis benefitted from therapy. Basal and stimulated plasma cortisol levels remained unchanged with either dose of budesonide, and no increase in adverse effects occurred with higher dose therapy.