Seasonal allergic rhinitis: fluticasone propionate and fluticasone furoate therapy evaluated

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is increasing in prevalence such that 1 in 4 persons is affected in the UK. It represents a considerable burden of disease since in a significant proportion of individuals the severity of nasal–ocular symptoms has an important effect on daily activity, performance and quality of life. Intranasal steroids (INS) form the mainstay of treatment, having been shown in meta-analyses to be superior to oral antihistamines, intranasal antihistamines and anti-leukotrienes. Fluticasone propionate is an established INS for the treatment of rhinitis, including SAR. Its favorable pharmacological profile combining high local efficacy with low systemic bioavailability has established fluticasone propionate as an effective intervention. The more recent introduction of structurally related fluticasone furoate with similar but enhanced pharmacological characteristics with a novel delivery device may confer further therapeutic advantages.