A Comparative Trial of Flunisolide and Beclomethasone Dipropionate in the Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

An open, parallel comparison of flunisolide and beclomethasone dipropionate nasal sprays is described. Sixty patients entered the study of whom fifty-six completed the full 4 weeks' therapy. The dosage of flunisolide was two actuations (25 micrograms/actuation) into each nostril twice a day (total 200 micrograms). The dosage of beclomethasone dipropionate was one actuation (50 micrograms) in each nostril four times a day (total 400 micrograms). Both drugs produced statistically significant improvements compared with admission values in sneezing, stuffiness, runny nose, nose blowing and post-nasal drip. Both drug significantly decreased the interference by symptoms with routine life and sleep. At the end of the trial both treatment groups showed total or good control of symptoms in the majority of patients. No statistically significant difference was shown between the effects of the two drugs. Side-effects did not cause withdrawal from the trial in any patient and were mostly confined to minor headache and nose and throat complaints. In neither treatment group was there any evidence of adrenal suppression or growths of Candida from nasal swabs.