A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, controlled antigen delivery study of the onset of action of aerosolized triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray in subjects with ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND

Clinically apparent relief of nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis is generally recognized to occur within 3 days to 1 week when intranasal corticosteroids are used.

OBJECTIVE

A study was designed to evaluate the onset of action of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in patients with ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis with an environmental exposure unit (EEU).

METHODS

Eighty-five adults with ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis were primed with ragweed allergen in the EEU. Symptoms were recorded during a baseline exposure in the EEU, and subjects were randomized with a 5:1 ratio to receive either TA 400 micrograms (n = 71) or its propellant (n = 14). Subjects received study medication for 7 days under supervision in the morning and returned to the EEU in the evening for ragweed allergen challenge and symptom assessment. Clinically apparent onset of action was defined as a 25% decrease in symptom scores from baseline.

RESULTS

A mean reduction in nasal congestion from baseline of greater than 25% (onset of action) was observed in the TA group, but not in the placebo group, by 10 hours. This was also observed for itching of the nose or palate and a combined measure of symptoms. In addition, the proportion of subjects with less nasal congestion after 1 day of treatment was greater in the TA group (41%) than in the placebo group (7%) (p less than 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The unexpected early relief of symptoms observed in the TA group and, to a lesser extent in the placebo group, has important clinical implications in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.