Effects of beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray on subjective and objective findings in perennial allergic rhinitis.

It was the aim of this trial to study the effect of intranasal beclomethasone dipropionate on symptoms and signs of perennial allergic rhinitis in Japanese patients. In a multicenter trial 183 patients, children and adults, were treated with placebo or with 400 microgram beclomethasone dipropionate a day for 2 weeks. The active treatment had an effect on all nasal symptoms: sneezing, nose blowing, and blockage being reduced to 34%, 44% and 63% (P < 0.01) of the values in the placebo group. A considerable carry-over effect was found, suggesting a group comparative design to be preferable for a cross over trial for the study of intranasal steroids. The beclomethasone dipropionate therapy had a significant inhibitory effect on the immediate response to nasal allergen provocation. The number of secretion eosinophils was reduced during treatment, and the appearance of the mucous membrane tended to normalize. Local side effects were few and insignificant. It is concluded that beclomethasone dipropionate is a valuable drug for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.