A clinical comparison of intranasal budesonide with beclomethasone dipropionate for perennial non-allergic rhinitis: a 12 month study.

To evaluate possible differences in efficacy and safety between budesonide and beclomethasone dipropionate when used intranasally in the treatment of perennial non-allergic rhinitis, a 12-month open study was undertaken in 24 patients suffering from perennial non-allergic rhinitis. Both drugs were applied intranasally from pressurised aerosols at a daily dosage of 400 micrograms. On entry and at visits after 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months, rhinoscopy was performed and the severity of nasal symptoms graded according to a four-point rating scale. All nasal symptoms were reduced from baseline during the treatment period in both groups. Tachyphylaxis was not observed. No clinically significant changes in haematology or blood chemistry parameters were observed in either group, and analysis of plasma cortisol levels revealed no influence of either drug on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Local adverse reactions were uncommon and mild. Budesonide and beclomethasone dipropionate used intranasally at 400 micrograms per day were found to be safe, and budesonide was found to have a significantly higher (p < 0.05) efficacy than beclomethasone dipropionate in alleviating symptoms of perennial non-allergic rhinitis.