Short-term efficacy trial and twenty-four-month follow-up of flunisolide nasal spray in the treatment of perennial rhinitis.

Seventy-eight patients with perennial rhinitis underwent a double-blind, placebo-controlled. 12-wk trial with flunisolide nasal spray, a new potent topical steroid. Eighteen of these patients were followed in an open study and evaluated at intervals for side effects and dosage of spray used. Baseline and plasma cortisol concentrations were performed before and at the end of the 12-wk, double-blind period. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation testing was performed on six patients after 1 yr of flunisolide therapy at 300 micrograms/day or less. Flunisolide was found to be safe and effective over a short period. Over a 2-yr follow-up there were no serious side effects or evidence of adrenal suppression. Ten patients with perennial rhinitis continue to obtain subjective benefit after 2 yr of therapy with flunisolide nasal spray.