The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7247 p610
3 May 2003

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Difference between GSK allergy nasal sprays highlighted

Flixonase Allergy (fluticasone) nasal spray offers pharmacists a new level of responsibility in the allergy arena, according to manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline. The product was launched in April as a pharmacy medicine (PJ, 8 March, p329).

Speaking at a press briefing, Noel Wicks of Campus Pharmacy, Stirling, commented that Beconase Allergy (beclometasone) nasal spray is licensed for mild allergy symptoms whereas Flixonase Allergy is licensed for moderate to severe symptoms. The other key message about fluticasone is its use in late-phase allergy symptoms, he said.

According to GSK, fluticasone tackles both early- and late-phase symptoms of airborne allergies. Early-phase symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itching and watery eyes. Late-phase symptoms, mediated by inflammatory cells, include nasal congestion and sinus discomfort.

"Pharmacists and pharmacy assistants should ask patients questions that distinguish between intermittent and persistent allergies," Mr Wicks said. For people who have daily symptoms including a blocked nose, "antihistamines are not the answer as they only treat the early-phase symptoms". Fluticasone, on the other hand, "is more effective than antihistamines at relieving the long-lasting persistent symptoms that so many patients suffer from".

The other difference between Flixonase Allergy nasal spray and Beconase Allergy nasal spray is that Flixonase is licensed for year-round allergies whereas Beconase is only licensed for hay fever.