Abstract
Fluocortin butyl (FCB) is a new topically active steroid. In this 12-week, parallel, multicenter study, 157 symptomatic patients, aged 12–69 years, with moderate to severe perennial rhinitis were randomized to receive either FCB powder or beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) aerosol spray intranasally. Four symptoms and four signs were scored at the start of the study and every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Use of concomitant medications and dosage of intranasal medication were monitored. The nasal cytology and nasal cultures of randomly selected patients were examined. At one center 40 patients had rhinomanometric evaluation. Significant decrease from baseline in symptoms and signs was evident by 2 weeks and then continued at a slower rate for up to 12 weeks with both FCB and BDP. There was also an increase in nasal airflow as shown by rhinomanometry and a decrease in concomitant medications. There was no significant difference in efficacy between the two medications. Both drugs were tolerated with minimal side effects. With a lower incidence of nasal irritation and a simple delivery system, FCB has a definite place in the treatment of rhinitis.
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