Cromolyn sodium nasal solution in the prophylactic treatment of pollen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis: A tri-city study of efficacy and safety

Abstract

A large-scale multicenter investigation was undertaken in 3 cities with comparable pollen seasons and atmospheric pollen concentrations in order to obtain more definite information about the safety and efficacy of cromolyn sodium in the treatment of pollen-induced seasonal rhinitis. The 9-wk double-blind study was conducted in 104 patients in Pittsburgh, Pa., Cleveland, Ohio, and Louisville, Ky., during the 1975 ragweed season. It indicated that a nebulized 4% aqueous solution of cromolyn sodium is effective in reducing sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and ocular irritation in ragweed hay fever patients. The efficacy of the drug was notable despite the fact that patients used an average of 52 mg instead of the recommended 62.4 mg daily. Cromolyn sodium did not appear to have a significant effect on transseasonal antiragweed IgE (IgEAR) levels. Patients acceptance of the cromolyn nasal solution was good, and there were no significant adverse reactions. The side effects, which were distributed equally between the drug and placebo groups, were mild and of limited duration.