Effect of a cholino-ceptor antagonist in the nose

As parasympathetic reflexes are of importance for nasal hypersecretion, treatment of rhinorrhoea with a cholino-ceptor antagonist seems rational. We have therefore studied the topically active anti-cholinergic drug ipratropium in laboratory studies and clinical trials. This drug, as a nasal spray, could markedly inhibit metacholine-induced hypersecretion for a prolonged period, in a dosage having no demonstrable systemic effects, in treatment of patients with perennial rhinitis and watery rhinorrhoea as the major symptoms. The daily use of ipratropium spray caused a moderate reduction in the use of handkerchiefs. It is concluded that this new treatment can be of value in such patients, but it is important to realize that the effect is strictly monosymptomatic. Finally, how this type of therapy can be further improved is discussed.