Patient preference and sensory perception of three intranasal corticosteroids for allergic rhinitis

To evaluate the medication preference, sensory perceptions and compliance of allergic rhinitis patients after a single administration of three intranasal corticosteroids.

In this double-blind, comparative, crossover study, 364 patients were randomised to receive fluticasone propionate (FP), mometasone furoate (MF) and triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) nasal sprays. Patients completed a preference questionnaire including a product preference and compliance evaluation after administration to determine the acceptability of each product.

The results indicate that TAA was judged more comfortable (p = 0.0406), had less odour (p < 0.0001) and had a significantly greater overall liking (p = 0.0008) compared with FP and MF. The nasal spray 'most preferred to be prescribed' was TAA (38.2%), followed by FP (36.8%) and MF (24.9%). Furthermore, 82.3% of the patients indicated that they would 'definitely comply' with a doctor's prescription for TAA, compared with 39.6% for FP and 20.5% for MF.

The results of this study indicate that TAA is the most favourable nasal spray in terms of preference and sensory perceptions for patients with perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis.