Alpha-tocopherol acetate nasal spray in the treatment of pollen-induced allergic rhinitis

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness and tolerability of alpha-tocopherol acetate nasal spray (ATANS) to those of beclomethasone nasal spray (BNS) and loratadine (LT) for the treatment of pollen-induced allergic rhinitis. This active-controlled, patient-preference, observational trial lasted 7 days. Tested variables were nasal symptoms, endoscopic examination, additional medications, general effectiveness, safety, and tolerability. Of 116 patients, 63 patients decided to use ATANS, 32 BNS and 21 LT. During the treatment, the mean daily rhinitis symptom score decreased significantly in all groups. The 7‑day mean score in the ATANS group (0.98) was comparable to that of the BNS group (0.92) and significantly higher than that of the LT group (0.70, P < 0.05). After treatment, the endoscopic score was significantly lower in all groups; the reductions were significantly greater in the BNS and LT groups than in the ATANS group (BNS vs. ATANS: P < 0.01; LT vs. ATANS: P < 0.05). Additional medications were not used by 60% (ATANS), 47% (BNS) and 95% (LT) of patients; the difference between ATANS and LT was significant (P < 0.01). Treatment was assessed as good or very good by 56% (ATANS), 69% (BNS) and 86% (LT) of patients; the differences between ATANS and BNS (P < 0.05) as well as between ATANS and LT (P < 0.01) were significant. Most patients (96%) did not experience any adverse events. Pollen intensity was comparable between groups and decreased marginally on day 7. ATANS can be considered an effective symptomatic treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis who wish to avoid side effects of antihistamines and corticosteroids. German “Register Klinischer Studien” (Reference number: DRK9338)