INTRANASAL FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE IS EFFECTIVE AND WELL-TOLERATED IN ADOLESCENTS WITH SEASONAL ALLERGIC RHINITIS

This two-week, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-contr olled study examined the efficacy and tolerability of intranasal fluti casone propionate (200 mcg once daily or 100 mcg twice daily) in 12- t o 17-year-old adolescents (n = 243) with seasonal allergic rhinitis. B oth clinician- and patient-rated symptom scores for nasal obstruction, sneezing, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea were significantly lower in t he groups treated with intranasal fluticasone propionate compared with the placebo-treated group. Clinician ratings of overall response to t herapy also were significantly more favorable for each intranasal flut icasone propionate dosing regimen compared with placebo. There were no statistically significant differences between the intranasal fluticas one propionate groups in nasal symptom scores or clinician-rated overa ll response to therapy. No severe or unusual adverse events were repor ted in any of the groups. Morning plasma cortisol concentrations after 2 weeks of therapy did not differ among groups. These data indicate t hat intranasal fluticasone propionate 200 mcg once daily and 100 mcg t wice daily are equally effective and well-tolerated in adolescents wit h seasonal allergic rhinitis.