Intranasal administration of a 4%
solution of
cromolyn sodium for the treatment of ragweed
hay fever was tested in an 8-week double-blind matched-pair study involving 66 patients. Patients on active
drug received 5.2 mg into each nostril 6 times daily; control patients received a placebo spray. The treated group showed a significant reduction in
mouth breathing (p less than 0.001), stuffy nose (p less than 0.002),
runny nose (p less than 0.003), and postnasal drip (p less than 0.035). Patients receiving the active
drug also reported fewer
sneezing episodes (p less than 0.003) and nose blowing episodes (p less than 0.015). One patient using
cromolyn solution developed nasal ulceration, tongue swelling, coughing, and
wheezing. Other side effects were minimal and occurred with equal frequency in both groups. In the treated group relief of symptoms was most marked in patients with high preseasonal levels of
IgE ragweed antibody. Intranasal 4%
cromolyn solution appears to be an effective
drug for the treatment of ragweed
hay fever; measurement of the preseasonal level of
IgE ragweed antibody is a useful screening test to identify patients most likely to achieve a maximal beneficial response to treatment.