Ipratropium treatment for rhinorrhoea in patients with perennial rhinitis. An open follow-up study of efficacy and safety.

The efficacy and safety of intranasal ipratropium therapy for rhinorrhoea were tested in an open follow-up study of 20 adult patients with perennial rhinitis. The reduction of nasal hypersecretion of 40-45% obtained with 80 micrograms four times daily in a placebo-controlled study, was maintained over the next 4 weeks although the mean daily dose was reduced to 180 micrograms. The spray treatment was well tolerated and rhinoscopy, measurements of the sense of smell and the secretory responsiveness of the nose before and 10-48 months after the start of the trial did not reveal any signs of serious local adverse effects. It is concluded that ipratropium nasal spray is effective in the treatment of rhinorrhoea and appears to be safe for long-term use.