The delivery of topical nasal sprays and drops to the middle meatus: a semiquantitative analysis

Citation
A. Tsikoudas et Jj. Homer, The delivery of topical nasal sprays and drops to the middle meatus: a semiquantitative analysis, CLIN OTOLAR, 26(4), 2001, pp. 294-297
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Otolaryngology
Journal title
CLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY
ISSN journal
03077772 → ACNP
Volume
26
Issue
4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
294 - 297
Database
ISI
SICI code
0307-7772(200108)26:4<294:TDOTNS>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
The distribution of nasal drugs specifically to the middle meatus is of vit al importance in the treatment of rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis. It is widely assumed that the intranasal distribution is superior with nasal dro ps rather than spray delivery. However, a comparison of nasal spray and dro p delivery specifically to this area has not been studied before. This stud y aims to compare semiquantitatively the intranasal distribution of nasal s prays and drops to the middle meatus in vivo. A novel method was used where by a neurosurgical patty was placed in the middle meatus. Topical nasal dro ps and aqueous sprays dyed with methylene blue (0.1% v/v) were administered in a standardized fashion in normal volunteers. The subsequent absorption of administered dye was classified on a four-point scale. A randomized pros pective cross-over design was used for the study. We found that there was n o difference in the delivery of nasal drug to the middle meatus between eit her method of drug administration (P>0.2). The perceived superiority of nas al drops may therefore be as a result of the acknowledged systemic effect o f betamethasone drops.