Intranasal ipratropium: literature abstracts and comments.

Abstract

Eighty micrograms of the topically active parasympatholytic drug ipratropium were applied intranasally four times daily in 20 adults with perennial rhinitis and severe watery rhinorrhoea in a double-blind controlled cross-over trial. There was a significant reduction in nasal hypersecretion during ipratropium treatment. Fourteen patients preferred the ipratropium period, three the placebo period and three had no preference. There were no systemic or local side effects. Ipratropium was effective also in patients resistant to glucocorticoids, sodium cromoglycate and antihistamines. As the drug works immediately it can also be used before exposure to known provocating factors. It is concluded that continuous use of this new medication is of value in the management of severe rhinorrhoea in patients with perennial rhinitis, and that the occasional use is helpful in subjects with infrequent attacks of nasal hypersecretion.