Sensory attributes of olopatadine superior to azelastine nasal spray

Patients differentiate intranasal treatments based on sensory attributes.

A study of 110 patients evaluated the sensory attributes of olopatadine nasal spray 0.6% (OLO) and azelastine nasal spray 0.1% (AZE).

OLO was superior to AZE in aftertaste, patient preference, and likelihood of extended use - on average, 60% versus 30% in all 3 categories.

54% and 32% of patients favored the taste and smell of OLO compared with 27.5 and 11.9% who favored AZE.


Olopatadine. Image source: Wikipedia, public domain.













Azelastine. Image source: Wikipedia, public domain.

The authors concluded that the sensory attributes of OLO are superior to AZE for immediate taste, aftertaste, patient preference, and likelihood of use. This outcome could lead to greater patient compliance and improved treatment effect.

References:
Comparative study of sensory attributes of two antihistamine nasal sprays: Olopatadine 0.6% and azelastine 0.1%. Meltzer, Eli et al. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 6, November/December 2008, pp. 659-668(10).

Olopatadine 0.6% nasal spray better than placebo for allergic rhinitis in children http://goo.gl/G4AYy - Is it better than nasal steroids?