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

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

STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.