Nasal spray corticosteroid

Rhinitis is characterized by nasal stuffiness with partial or full obstmction, and itching of the nose, eyes, palate, or pharynx, sneezing, and rhinorrhoea. If left untreated it can lead to more serious respiratory diseases such as sinusitis or asthma. Although several types of dmgs are available for treatment, nasal spray topical corticosteroids are widely regarded as the reference standard in rhinitis therapy (250). 

Antihistamines are drags used to counteract the effects of histamine on body organs and structures. Examples of antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec). A new antihistamine, deslorata-dine (Clarinex), is die active metabolite of loratadine and is intended to eventually replace loratadine (Claritin). Topical corticosteroid nasal sprays such as fluticasone propionate (Flonase) or triamcinolone ace-tonide (Nasacort AQ) are also used for nasal allergy symptoms. See Chapter 56 for more information on die topical corticosteroids. 

Azelastine nasal spray is indicated for children 5 years of age and older and is considered an alternative to intranasal corticosteroids in patients with persistent severe symptoms. Intranasal cromolyn, another commonly used agent in children, is indicated in patients 2 years of age and older and has an acceptable safety profile. However, limited efficacy and multiple daily administrations limit its use to mild and early rhinitis or for prophylaxis of a known imminent exposure. 

Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid that is more potent than hydrocortisone and has a longer duration of action. Triamcinolone has only slight mineralocorticoid activity, whereas hydrocortisone has high mineralocorticoid activity and therefore triamcinolone is unsuitable for disease suppression on a long-term basis. Triamcinolone is available as injection, dental paste, nasal spray and as cream or ointment preparations. Hydrocortisone is available as cream, tablets and injections. 

Rhinocort Aqua is the proprietary preparation of a topical nasal spray containing the corticosteroid budesonide and is marketed by AstraZeneca. 

Fluticasone is a potent corticosteroid that is available as a nasal spray indicated in allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and as an inhaler used in asthma. 

Adachi JD, Bensen WG, Bell MJ, Bianchi FA, Cividino AA, Craig GL, Sturtridge WC, Sebaldt RJ, Steele M, Gordon M, Themeles E, Tugwell P, Roberts R, Gent M. Salmon calcitonin nasal spray in the prevention of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Br J Rheumatol 1997 36(2) 255-9. 

Mistlin A, Gibson T. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head resulting from excessive corticosteroid nasal spray use. J Clin Rheumatol 2004 10 45-6. 

Drugs are applied to the mucous membranes of the conjunctiva, nasopharynx, and vagina to achieve local effects. On the other hand, the antidiuretic hormone lypressin (Diapid) is given by nasal spray, but the intention is to produce systemic effects. For the treatment of meningeal leukemia, cytosine arabinoside is injected directly into the spinal subarachnoid space. In osteoarthritis, corticosteroids are given by intra-articular injection. 

Corticosteroids — Beclomethasone dipropionate (17) aerosol has been tested extensively clinically. It is used prophylactically (400 fig per day), not therapeutically, in the treatment of chronic asthma, particularly in children.52 An evaluation of the drug has been published.53 One of the most important clinical advantages is that 1 7 effectively can replace oral corticosteroids in steroid-dependent patients and avoid many of the adverse effects of adrenal suppression.52,54 Most patients with impaired adrenal function due to oral corticosteroids show recovery of adrenal function within 6 months.55 The combination of 17 and disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) showed no additive therapeutic effects.5 Flunisolide (18), when administered as a nasal spray for 4 weeks during the hay fever season in 51 patients, showed significant symptomatic improvement with no systemic steroid effects observed.57... 

When surface-active viscosity enhancers are used, the surface tension will influence the droplet size of the nebulised solution. A lower surface tension will lead to smaller drops, and thus a larger contact surface. For instance nasal sprays with corticosteroids often contain carmellose. 

Sharpe SA, Sandweiss V, Tuazon J, Giordano M, Witchey-Lakshmanan L, Hart J, Sequeira J (2(X)3) Comparison of the flow properties of aqueous suspension corticosteroid nasal sprays under differing sampling ecmditions. Drag Dev Ind Pham 29 1005-1012... 

Most corticosteroids nasal sprays (licensed preparations) are suspensions in which croscarmellose sodium is used as viscosity enhancer. The inhalation liquids for nebulisation with the same type of active substances however only contain polysorbate and sorbitan laureate to stabilise the suspension. For atomisation in jet nebulisers, the liquid should not be too viscous, in order to prevent clogging of the nebuliser. 

Intranasal anticholinergic agents (e.g., ipratropium) reduce the severity and duration of rhinorrhea but have no effect on other nasal symptoms.11,12,21 Ipratropium reduces cholinergic hyperreactivity and cholinergically mediated histamine- and antigen-induced secretion. Intranasal ipratropium acts locally, with only minimal systemic absorption. Clinical trials demonstrated that ipratropium bromide 0.3% reduced rhinorrhea in adults and children with PAR.11,12 Intranasal ipratropium is an option for patients in whom rhinorrhea is refractory to topical intranasal corticosteroids and/or antihistamines.8,12 Intranasal ipratropium is available only by prescription, and the dose is two sprays nasally two to three times daily.15 Adverse effects are minimal, but dry nasal membranes have been reported.11,12... 

Nasal corticosteroids are effective in vasomotor rhinitis, but because of the duration of the disorder, certain caution is advised to avoid systemic effects and local adverse reactions after long-term use. Ipratropium bromide spray works well if the dominating problem is runny nose. 

Nasal powders for insufflation (i.e. with corticosteroids) are on the market as an alternative to sprays, but powders seem to give more risk of irritation and bleeding [3]. 

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