Fluticasone furoate: intranasal use in allergic rhinitis

Fluticasone furoate nasal spray is a new topical intranasal corticosteroid with enhanced affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor and low systemic exposure, which was recently approved in the US for the treatment of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and in children aged >or=2 years. Fluticasone furoate nasal spray employs a novel delivery device with a unique side-actuated design, a short nozzle and a new trigger mechanism designed for ease of use. In well controlled clinical trials, intranasal fluticasone furoate 110microg once daily for 2 weeks in adults and adolescents with seasonal allergic rhinitis reduced nasal and ocular symptoms, and improved health-related quality of life to a significantly greater extent than placebo. Similarly, treatment with intranasal fluticasone furoate 110microg once daily for 4-6 weeks in adults and adolescents with perennial allergic rhinitis was superior to placebo in reducing nasal symptoms and with respect to overall response to therapy. In children aged 6-11 years, fluticasone furoate nasal spray was shown to be effective in reducing the nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis following treatment for 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. Fluticasone furoate nasal spray was well tolerated in adults, adolescents and children aged 2-11 years, with an overall incidence of adverse events similar to that with placebo.