The following information is obtained from various newswires,
published medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
Company: Boehringer Ingelheim
Approval Status: Approved January 1996
Treatment for: runny nose due to allergies and the common cold
General Information
Atrovent nasal spray has been approved as treatment for a runny nose caused by allergies or the common cold. Atrovent nasal spray is not indicated for the relief of sneezing, congestion, or postnasal drip.
Atrovent comes in two strengths: 0.3% for runny nose associated with the allergic and nonallergic conditions, and .06% for the common cold.
Clinical Results
Atrovent has been shown to be effective both acutely, in controlled common cold studies of up to four days duration, and in controlled perennial rhinitis trials of eight weeks duration.
Side Effects
In clinical trials, Atrovent was well tolerated and has been shown to have minimal side effects such as transient nasal dryness and epistaxis (nasal bleeding) in less than 10% of patients.
Mechanism of Action
There are many factors related to allergies and colds that contribute to a runny nose. These factors stimulate the release of acetylcholine, which in turn, stimulates the glands in the nose, causing watery secretions. Atrovent blocks the effect of acetylcholine.
