A placebo controlled double-blind trial of beclomethasone dipropionate in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol, administered intransally, 50 mcg into each nostril four times a day, was compared to placebo aerosol therapy in a three-week, double-blind trial of 30 patients with allergic rhinitis. Evaluation of efficacy, derived from patient scoring on daily diary cards and a weekly evaluation of signs and symptoms by a physician, showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol. The 400 mcg/day dosage did not provide for systemic absorption as determined by measurements of plasma cortisol levels and circulating eosinophils. The only side effects consisted of mild to moderate burning and stinging or drying of the nasal mucosa.