Intranasal nedocromil sodium in the treatment of ragweed-allergic rhinitis

Nedocromil sodium (NS), a new pyranoquinoline dicarboxylic acid derivative, reported to be effective against both mucosal and connective tissue-type mast cells, was studied in ragweed-allergic rhinitis (RAR). Thirty-six patients with RAR were studied in an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Stratification was based on prick skin test sensitivity and severity of signs and symptoms of previous RAR. NS (1% solution) in a dose of 0.13 ml of nasal spray was administered to each nostril, a minimum twice daily. Concomitant medications were limited to ingested terfenadine, ocular cromolyn, and inhaled medications. Symptoms and medications were noted daily. Active-treatment and placebo-treatment groups were comparable. There were less symptoms of runny nose and itchy eyes in the active-treatment group (p < 0.05) and also less antihistamine, p < 0.004. Patients in the active-treatment group were more likely to conclude that symptoms were improved by the nasal spray (p < 0.01). No side effects were reported. This study indicates that NS is effective and well tolerated in RAR. © 1988.