Current evidence suggests that antihistamine-analgesic-decongestant combinations have some general benefit in adults and older children. These benefits must be weighed against the risk of adverse effects. There is no evidence of effectiveness in young children.
Exploratory study of the decongestive effect of Rhinopront syrup in adults and in children with acute rhinitis.
The decongestive effect of Rhinopront syrup was assessed in 18 adults and 18 children with acute rhinitis, by comparison to a matching placebo syrup and to a commercial standard decongestant (Triaminic tablets or drops). The evolution of symptoms following single dose administration of each treatment was estimated both by objective measurements of nasal resistance using bilateral rhinomanometry and by subjective evaluation of nasal congestion and aspect of the mucosa. In children, the treatment was continued over the next 4 days and the global clinical efficacy of the formulations was subjectively evaluated by the parents. In adult patients, a significant decrease in nasal resistance was obtained after a single dose of Rhinopront (15 g). The effect was already important after 0.5 h and reached a minimum of approximately 50% of baseline within 1 to 2 h; the drop in nasal resistance was significantly less intense for Triaminic (p < 0.05; 0.5-1-h period) and for the placebo (p < 0.05; 0.5-2-h period). In children, the scatter of rhinomanometric measurements precluded the observation of any significant within- or between-group differences; however, a significantly lower nasal congestion score was observed for Rhinopront than placebo, between 4 and 10 h after single dose administration (1 g per year of age). The present work suggests that Rhinopront is an effective nasal decongestant in adults and children with acute congestive rhinitis and supports the adequacy of the proposed twice-daily dosing rate.