COST-EFFECTIVE PHARMACOTHERAPY FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS

This article provides guidelines for pharmacotherapy to maximize sympt om relief from allergic rhinitis. Consideration of frequency severity, and site of symptoms is important in directing pharmacotherapy effica cy and maximizing cost-effectiveness. The agents available include ant ihistamines, decongestants, steroids, mast cell stabilizers, anticholi nergic agents, and mucolytics. Appropriate indications for each and co mbinations of various agents are discussed within the context of drug efficacy side effects, affordability, and ease of compliance. The dire ct and indirect costs of allergic rhinitis are not well delineated but are explored to put the costs of therapy in perspective.