Assessment of sensory perceptions and patient preference for intranasal corticosteroid sprays in allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Long-term intranasal corticosteroid sprays (INCSs), the mainstay of therapy in allergic rhinitis, differ little in efficacy and safety. Compliance to therapy is strongly influenced by patients' perceptions and preferences. We evaluated the acceptability, based on sensory perceptions, of beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone propionate (FP), and mometasone furoate (MF) nasal sprays. METHODS: A single-blind (patient), crossover study was performed; 114 patients with allergic rhinitis, categorized as "sneezers and runners" (group 1) and "blockers" (group 2) were assessed for their sensory perceptions (nasal spray evaluation questionnaire, 14 sensory attributes, and 100-point scale). RESULTS: Significantly more patients preferred MF because of its less irritation, liking of odor, more moistness, and less aftertaste. FP rated significantly higher odor strength and amount of irritation. Seventy-two (63%) patients were in group 1 and 42 (37%) patients were in group 2. MF was the most preferred drug in both group 1 (40 patients, 56%; p < 0.05) and group 2 (21 patients, 50%). Liking the odor was the strongest attribute that affected choice in group 1 (52 patients, 58%), and strength of aftertaste in group 2 (13 patients, 31%). Significantly more patients in group 1 (55 patients, 76%) could appreciate differences in attributes than in group 2 (27 patients, 64%). Ninety-one (80%) patients predicted a better compliance with their preferred drug. CONCLUSION: MF was the most preferred INCS in our patients. This was ascribed to less irritation, odor, and aftertaste along with superior moistness. "Sneezers and runners" appreciated significant differences in INCS. In patients with allergic rhinitis, assessment of sensory perceptions could play a crucial role in promoting compliance with therapy.